ALDONA: Deputy Captain of Ports Premlal Shirsaikar had a tough time explaining the plans to develop the Aldona jetty vis-à-vis the Sagarmala Project at Aldona gram sabha.
He also assured that only passenger jetties will be allowed and no cargo vessels will be allowed to operate.
The official who was invited by the panchayat was posed with several queries as the villagers are doubtful about this project planned in the village.
A detailed presentation was made on the Sagarmala Project wherein the development of nine jetties in the State will be taken up.
The official from Captain of Ports informed the gathering that the jetty constructed on the banks of Mapusa River at Aldona will help to reduce pressure of vehicles on roads. There was a need to strengthen the waterways thereby connecting the villages.
“There is no proposal for cargo transportation under the plan. In fact the passenger ferry with a capacity of 60 passengers which will be non-polluting,” he clarified.
The villagers failed to believe what was told during the presentation and asked the official to study all relevant issues about the project and come back for a presentation at a special gram sabha of a date further decided.
Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo was also present at this presentation.
Herald has reported in January 2019 about this proposed jetty at Aldona which raised hackles among the locals.
Prior to that an NGO Goencho Avaaz spoke about this proposed jetty at Aldona stating that it will be used for coal transportation and the related road expansion planned in the village during a public meeting on Liberation Day last year.
