TEAM HERALD
CHORAO: A resident of Devgi-Chorao had a harrowing time reaching the Dabolim airport in the wee hours of Friday, after one ferry was stationed at the Ribandar ferry wharf for 45 minutes.
Stranded at the Chorao ferry wharf from 4.30 am to 5.15 am, the resident was forced to take a long detour and proceed to Panjim via the Chorao-Pomburpa ferry route.
The father of the aggrieved commuter then complained to the Captain of Ports and requested authorities to take steps to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
“This was total negligence on the part of the ferry crew. What would have happened if a resident of Chorao Island had fallen sick? Ferry boats are for benefit of the islanders and not for Ribandar residents,” said the father.
A crew member on one ferry claimed that one special ferry had already left from Chorao, when the complainant’s son had reached the Chorao ferry wharf.
“As per rules, the same ferry boat has to return immediately, but it did not return and I don’t know the reason for this,” admitted the crew member.
“A few days ago, RND officials had asked us to anchor three ferry boats along the Ribandar side of the river at night and one ferry towards the Chorao side, as there is no arrangement to anchor ferry boats towards the Chorao side,” the crew member said.
When contacted, Vikram Singh Bhosle, a senior officer of the River Navigation Department, who is in-charge of the ferry boats, admitted being aware of the incident.
“I have asked the ferry crew to explain why the ferry boat was anchored towards the Ribandar side for a long time. I will conduct an enquiry into the incident,” said Bhosle.
Deputy Speaker Anant Shet said the incident was serious and felt that the guilty should be punished for the lapse.
