MARGAO
The Citizens for Democracy has urged Captain of Ports Minister, Digambar Kamat to constitute the Goa State Maritime Board in compliance with Section 13 (1) of the Indian Ports Act, 2025.
In a representation signed by CFD convenor Elvis Gomes and Yogesh Nagvenkar, the NGO drew attention of the Minister that it is imperative to constitute the Goa State Maritime Board under Section 13(1) of the Indian Ports Act, 2025 with the coming into force of the Act from August 21, 2025.
They pointed out that any permission granted by the Captain of Ports for any developmental activity will be rendered ‘non-est’ i.e. void, invalid and non-existent if the same has been issued under erstwhile Indian Ports Act 1908 which stands repealed.
The CFD has requested that the government ensure that any regulatory measures relating to port activities are framed strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Indian Ports Act, 2025. They said such intervention would prevent unnecessary hardship to stakeholders and ensure that the statutory framework governing ports is properly adhered to.
Meanwhile, the CFD has said before the scheduled inauguration of the ‘captain of Ports’ building in Panaji, it would be in accordance with law that the name of the building is changed to Goa State Maritime Board.
