MARGAO: As the fishing season concludes on May 31, boat owners at Cutbona jetty express frustration over ongoing infrastructure problems that remain unaddressed. Despite promises made each year, significant improvements have not been seen, aside from the hot mixing of the jetty road.
Savio Da Silva, former president of the Cutbona Boat Owners Association, voiced disappointment with the Fisheries Minister and Director for not fulfilling their assurances. The fishermen particularly highlight the poor sanitation facilities at the jetty. Contrary to the Fisheries Department’s claims during the last Assembly session that the toilets are adequate and functional, boat owners report a starkly different reality. Thousands of migrant crew members rely on a single Sulabh toilet block, and a proposed 50-seater toilet block has been delayed for a decade due to sewage treatment issues.
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Da Silva said that Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar needs to personally address these issues. Another major concern is the navigation problem at the mouth of the River Sal due to the sandbar. Despite meetings with local authorities, the slow coordination between the Fisheries Department and the Captain of Ports (CoP) has delayed decisions on constructing a training wall at the river mouth. Although there is no longer a block from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the government must obtain an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) before proceeding with the work. The tender process is ongoing, with revised estimates being prepared.
The blocked navigational channel at the river mouth restricts boat crossings to favourable tide levels. The fishing community has been advocating for a training wall and a breakwater facility to prevent hardships and losses experienced over the past decade. Additionally, the proposed breakwater facility by the Cutbona Boat Owners Union remains uncertain.
Infrastructure and logistical issues at Cutbona Jetty continue to be neglected. A decade-old proposal for an additional jetty at Cutbona brought initial optimism, but it remains unused and has become a dumping ground. Despite repeated calls for its inauguration and effective use to alleviate space issues, the new jetty has not been utilised. Other problems include deteriorating illumination and general disrepair at the jetty.
