Arlekar favours marinas in Goa

Equating marinas with taxi stands, Goa's Environment Minister Rajendra Arlekar has said that there should be no opposition to setting up marinas in the coastal state.
"During my visit to Malaysia to participate in a Speaker's conference I have seen marinas there. It is just a place to anchor ships. That is when my entire perception about marinas changed," he told mediapersons yesterday.
Two different companies had proposed to set up marinas in the state, one at Nauxi and another at Sancoale. Both the projects were opposed by section of BJP legislators and the fishermen community.
"Like we have taxi stands, the ships would be parked at marinas. Those who want to take a ride (ply) can take the ship," he said.

Arlekar, who was inducted in the cabinet in October last year was given the Environment portfolio. Earlier, Alina Saldanha, who had opposed marinas in the state, was holding the portfolio.
The State Bio-Diversity Board too had resolved against marinas in Goa.
The minister said the promoters of marinas should sit across the table with the government and those people who raise apprehensions about it, and explain to them the concept.
Arlekar, however, said the government will take into consideration views of all elected representatives before giving nod to the marinas in the state.