Team Herald
PANJIM: Even as the tripartite agreement between Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) and Goa government on the inclusion of six Goan rivers into national waterways is yet to be signed, the Centre has begun the process to carry out development of three river stretches.
Sources in the State government told Herald that IWAI has appointed consultants to do a techno-feasibility study of the projects to be undertaken under the national programme.
A statement issued by Press Information Bureau (PIB) states that the Central government has already commenced the development of eight new waterways across the country, of which three – Cumbarjua, Mandovi and Zuari – are in Goa. “Development works for expansion/setting up of floating jetties and upgradation/installation of navigational aids is underway. National Waterways of Goa are operational,” states the chart released by the government, through PIB.
Details reveal that NW-27 – Cumbarjua – confluence with Zuari to confluence with Mandovi River (17 kms), NW-68-Mandovi – Usgao bridge to Arabian Sea (41 kms) and NW-111 – Zuari- Savordem bridge to Mormugao Port (50 kms) have been undertaken for ‘work on development’. The Goa government has confirmed that it has not signed the MoU as on date and reiterated that the work is in fact appointment of consultants.
The government is in a tight spot over this issue in view of strong opposition from a large section of the people. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has explained that rights over the rivers are already vested with IWAI through an Act passed in the Parliament in 2016 and if the MoU with IWAI is not signed, the powers over the rivers will remain with the Centre.
Parrikar had also explained that after initial reluctance, the Centre had agreed to conditions laid down by the State government that gives powers to the Captain of Ports department.
Part of six rivers – Mandovi (44 kms), Zuari (50 kms), Cumbarjua (17 kms), Chapora (33 kms), Mapusa (27 kms) and Sal (14 kms) – have been declared as ‘National Waterways for the purpose of shipping and navigation,’ by the Centre.
