Goa, April 13 -- Porvorim MLA and Cabinet Minister Rohan Khaunte on Sunday strongly opposed the Centre's approval for a private jetty at Malim, stating that neither he, the local panchayat, nor the residents were taken into consideration before the No Objection Certificate (NOC) was granted.

Expressing shock over learning about the Rs.8-crore project through the media, Khaunte questioned, "How can applications for central approval be allowed without involving the local MLA, panchayat, or community? This shows a lack of transparency and groundwork."

He emphasized the need to evaluate local sentiments, the impact on the fisherfolk community, and other environmental and social aspects before granting such permissions. "The decision must in...