Nauxim marina will be jewel in Goa's crown: Milind Prabhu

We are in the process of getting the requisite environmental clearances from the government authorities. Also, we're aware of the concerns raised by the Nauxim villagers, and we're committed to working through those concerns if the project is to proceed.

We are directly speaking to the stakeholders like the fishermen in the village and the people of the area. As per our policy, they (the villagers) will have a stake in the project that will benefit them economically and upgrade their living standards. We are going to train them to handle the boats by skilling them to international levels.  

Marinas all over the world are benefiting the local populace and adding to the economy. Presently, most of the tourists coming to Goa are low-end and do not benefit the Goan economy. Some of them who come here are low-budget tourists. Marinas attract wealthier tourists who spend more money on chartering boats, dining at upscale restaurants, shopping in boutiques, and using other services. This injects more money into the local economy and creates a more sustainable tourism model.

There are certifications like Green Marine that a project of such a nature has to follow. The Nauxim marina will have Green Marine certification which attracts high-end yachts. There is no question of pollution when such a norm is involved. Also, a marina which is polluted will never be preferred for docking by these high-end yacht owners. Keeping the water quality at high standards will be our highest priority. Green practices minimise pollution and ensure a well-maintained marina, leading to higher customer satisfaction and a good reputation for attracting more yachts.         

We plan to have sea-bins at the marina to take out garbage, oil, or detergents that can damage a yacht's delicate paintwork and sensitive equipment. The sea-bins that we plan to incorporate will be a mark of our commitment to water quality. The presence of these sea-bins will reassure yacht owners that the Nauxim marina prioritises cleanliness, which is crucial for protecting their valuable vessels. These high-end yachts will refuse to enter the marina if there is garbage, oils and detergents because these can damage the hull of the yacht.    

The marina project will create jobs over a wide spectrum from boat handlers to cleaners to riggers, and also mechanics who repair engines and navigation equipment. At this stage, I can say the marina at Nauxim will give direct employment to 200 to 300 people. The marina will have a ripple effect on the local economy, creating indirect jobs in sectors like hospitality, transportation, and retail to support the needs of marina employees and visiting yacht owners. Also, the training imparted at the marina will be internationally recognised. It will make Goans competitive in the global maritime industry and open doors for employment opportunities on international yachts or cruise ships. 

Many yachts travelling between the Mediterranean and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand) bypass India due to lack of marinas having proper facilities. With an estimated 5,000 yachts making this trip annually,  Goa's location on the west coast of India positions it well to be a stopover for these yachts. Since there are no facilities in India, very few yachts come here. They come only in case of emergency. Overall, we remain confident that the marina project in Goa will be a game-changer for tourism and a jewel in Goa's crown.