VASCO: The much-awaited crane that will take heavy machinery to Arossim beach for salvaging the grounded pontoon has arrived; after installing the machinery by Sunday afternoon, the work of pulling the pontoon to the higher side of the beach will start by Sunday evening, informed South Goa Collector Swapnil Naik.
He was speaking to reporters after inspecting the grounded pontoon site along with RDA Minister and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on Friday afternoon.
Officials from Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB), Captain of Ports, District Disaster Management Authority, Mormugao Mamlatdar Laxmikant Dessai, Deputy Collector and SDM Sabaji Shetye, besides others, were present for the inspection.
“The main part of the work of removing the pontoon will start today with the arrival of the crane. At 2 pm, the crane reached the outskirts of the village and is expected to reach at the beach in the evening. We have been told by staff members of Arihant Ship Breakers that the actual work of constructing a ditch and installing a winch will take place by Sunday afternoon, and by Sunday evening, they will start pulling the pontoon towards the higher area of the beach,” said Naik.
He further said, “Once the pontoon is pulled onto the beach, it will be safer, as even if the monsoon sets in, the work of cutting the pontoon will gradually take place. I have also asked them to give a definite deadline as to when the whole process will be completed and the report is expected soon.”
Meanwhile, MLA Saldanha stated, “I am relieved to know that the crane has arrived and the salvage operations will commence now. They have already made presentations on the process.”
Regarding the change in the beach’s profile, she said, “As opined by NIO scientists, the beach profile has changed a bit. However, he had also opined that the same would be restored naturally once the pontoon is removed.
