Panaji, Oct 23 (IANS): A proposed marina project in the picturesque Nauxi bay in North Goa is facing stiff resistance from local residents as well as the BJP and the Congess, all of whom say that it will impact the livelihood of fishermen.

However, Anytime Harbour of Yachts (AHOY) Private Limited, the promoter of the project, claims it would offer employment opportunities to the residents of the area.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday directed North Goa Collector to talk to the protesting villagers as well as promoters of the project, ahead of a November 2 public hearing called by the Goa State Pollution Control Board.

As per a 30-year-lease agreement signed between Goa's only major port, the Mormugao Port Trust and Kargwal Constructions Pvt Ltd through its subsidiary Anytime Harbour of Yachts (AHOY) Private Limited, the marina is expected to come up over an expanse of 1 lakh sq. mts at the mouth of the Zuari river with an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore.

A marina is a facility that provide safe parking and servicing to small boats. And the proposed marina, which falls within the jurisdiction of Mormugao Port Trust, is expected to provide docking and maintenance facilities to nearly 250 small boats and yachts engaged in pleasure sailing and brief stays.

Local Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Francis Silveira said residents of Nauxi are opposing the project because it would come in way of fishing, one of the mainstays of the coastal community in the St. Andre Assembly constituency.

"I am against this project because the people are against it. I have already met the Chief Minister, who has promised to study the issue. He will get back to us when the study is complete," Silveira told IANS.

Congress spokesperson Swati Kerkar said, "The marina will impact the livelihood of fishermen, ultimately displacing them from their traditional profession. The Congress firmly opposes the project."

However, the promoters claim the marina will not utilise any land resources, as feared by the local population, but will be put together in the foreshore area of the Nauxi bay.

"The marina and all the facilities, which include hotels, restaurants and other services will be set up off land. We will also be compliant with waste management norms to ensure that the water around us is not polluted," said Captain Arun Dua, Director, AHOY. Dua also promised to provide marina-related skilling opportunities and jobs to local youth.

Meanwhile, AHOY has launched a social media outreach campaign in which expert sailors such as India's first solo circumnavigator retired Captain Dilip Dhonde, who now resides in Goa, pitch for a marina project in the coastal state, which, they say, has many yachting enthusiasts.