Team Herald
PANJIM: Facing stiff opposition from traditional fishermen, the State government has dropped the proposed floating jetty at Chapora and instead it will expand the under-construction jetty at Panjim.
Captain of Ports James Braganza said, “We have decided to drop the proposed floating jetty at Chapora following opposition by the traditional fishermen, who even attacked us when we had gone there for inspection and to convince them about the need and advantages of constructing a floating jetty.”
Capt Braganza said that since the proposal to construct a floating jetty at Chapora has been now dropped, the government has decided to increase the under-construction of the second jetty near the ferryboat point at Panjim. So far two concrete floating jetties have been commissioned at Panjim and at Old Goa and they are to be connected by ferry and cruise services.
The Government of India had sanctioned the construction of four floating jetties on River Mandovi as concrete floating jetties have many advantages over fixed jetties. Also, they are cheaper and quicker to build, install and easier to use. The designed life of a floating jetty is up to 50 years.
Also being floating structures, it does not need CRZ clearances. It can be increased in size or reduced as per changes in users;’ requirements or the changes in the jetty site’s hydrographic profile.
Capt Braganza further said that the construction of the first electric-cum-solar boat has been completed and there are plans to commission it along with the floating jetty. “Solar hybrid boat built by Aquarius Shipyard is ready for commissioning and it will be commissioned along with the new floating jetty at Panjim,” he said.
Capt Braganza said that the government is also constructing two new ferryboats. Currently, the river navigation department has 39 ferryboats operating on 19 routes across the State. Currently, ferry service is free for commuters and two-wheelers and only four-wheelers using it to cross the river are charged.