Politics of Jetties in Goa: A Tug of War

Maritime News, Goa, India : Goa’s scenic rivers and tranquil coastline, long considered the lifeblood of its communities, are fast becoming contested spaces. Behind the narrative of promoting cruise tourism and infrastructure modernization lies an escalating political battle — where local communities are increasingly resisting projects they say threaten their livelihoods, environment, and democratic rights. The “Jetty Politics” in Goa exposes a deeper divide: development envisioned by bureaucrats versus development desired by the people.

Timeline of Resistance: Proof and Dates

Core Issues Raised by Locals

• Democratic Deficit: Projects like the Malim Jetty and Draft Jetty Policy 2022 have been introduced without consulting panchayats, MLAs, or local citizens.
• Livelihood Threats: Traditional fishermen risk losing access to riverbanks and jetties essential for their work.
• Environmental Concerns: Unchecked dredging, coal transportation threats, and ecosystem destruction loom large.
• Privatization and Land Grab Fears: Concerns over public infrastructure being quietly handed over to private interests without tenders or public transparency.
• Hidden Sagarmala Push: Many see the jetty expansions as indirect enablers of Sagarmala’s coal and cargo transportation agenda, disguised under the pretext of “tourism”.

Government’s Approach

• Jetty Policy 2022: Introduced to “streamline” jetty operations, it ironically triggered suspicion due to lack of local consultation.
• IWAI Digital NoCs: New rules allow central approval of private jetties without mandatory state or panchayat consent.
• Tourism-Driven Narrative: Authorities argue that new jetties will boost river cruise tourism and local economies, but without clear impact studies or local buy-in.

Stakeholders and Their Stand

• Gram Sabhas: Standing as bulwarks of local democracy, they have repeatedly passed resolutions rejecting new jetties.
• Fishermen’s Associations: Insist that jetties must serve traditional occupations and not be converted for private cruises or cargo.
• MLAs like Antonio Vas and Rohan Khaunte: Publicly supporting villagers, demanding transparency and local consultation.
• Tourism and Ports Departments: Relentlessly pursuing the expansion of jetties under national schemes, prioritizing infrastructure over dialogue.

Bigger Questions Goa Must Confront

• Is Goa’s coastline being silently nationalized under central projects like Sagarmala?
• Are local livelihoods being sacrificed for commercial river and cruise tourism?
• Why are gram panchayats and elected MLAs routinely bypassed in crucial decisions?

The “development” model, unless realigned with local aspirations, threatens to turn Goa’s rivers from community lifelines into contested corporate corridors.

Development With the People, Not Against Them

Goa today stands at a critical juncture. While infrastructure development and cruise tourism have undeniable potential, ignoring grassroots voices could spell irreversible social and ecological damage. True prosperity must be people-centric, environmentally sustainable, and democratically inclusive.

The rivers of Goa don’t just carry water — they carry history, culture, and the hopes of generations. To alter their course without the people’s consent is to alter Goa itself.

“When rivers lose their people, people lose their rivers.”