Panaji: Asserting that Goa needs to look at waterways for alternate mode of transport, State Ports Minister Michael Lobo on Saturday also said that some of the expats settled abroad were poisoning the mind of locals over developmental projects.
Lobo said that that those who are holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card “should be more concerned about what is happening in Portugal or London.”
“Leave Goa to us, we are there to take care of it (Goa),” he said.
The minister was addressing a function organised by trade bodies in the city on Saturday.
“When you go there don’t comment about Goa. You are Overseas Citizens of India. You should be more interested in what is happening in Portugal or what is happening in London,” he said.
“Leave Goa to us, we are there to take care of Goa. We know you love Goa, but be positive for Goa. Do not bring roadblocks,” Lobo commented.
Referring to the usual apprehensions that constructions of jetties under central government’s Sagarmala project was to help transportation of coal in the state, Lobo said “We don’t want to bring coal at Sinquerim or Cumbharjua (both in North Goa where jetties are proposed). If there is a jetty built for tourism purpose at Chapora river, the coal cannot come there. I think we have to be realistic,”he commented.
The minister said somebody has to stand and answer them. “I am there for that purpose. What is required for the state of Goa, I will stand and answer these people,” he added.
Lobo said that “If we (Goans) do not put our foot down. If we do not send a strong message to these people (OCIs) then they will poison the minds of real Goans,” he said.
“Some of our Goans will get carried away by such talks, such wrong messages being spread,” he stated.
Lobo said that his department has already got Environment Impact Assessment study conducted of Sagarmala projects for which two public hearings will follow.
“ We will complete the jetty projects. Not only these six jetties (which are proposed) but we want more jetties, the smaller ones, to explore tourism in our state of Goa. We will want more than 20 small jetties to be built,” he added.
