Goa, Nov. 23 -- Political leaders, fishing communities and residents across South Goa have reiterated strong objections to renewed interest in the Betul port proposal, stressing that the coastal belt remains firmly opposed to any attempt to revive the long-shelved plan.

The proposal, originally advanced as a satellite cargo port under the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), involved dredging, breakwater construction and vessel movement at the mouth of the Sal River. Local communities had rejected it on the grounds that it would alter tidal patterns, damage fishing grounds, introduce mining-linked cargo routes into the southern belt and undermine the tourism landscape. The plan was eventually set aside after sustained resistance, but discussio...