PANJIM: A delegation of the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Tuesday urged the Captain of Ports Minister Alex Sequeira to undertake urgent dredging in the Mandovi and Zuari rivers to prevent barges from grounding during their voyages.
It also urged the Minister to formulate a plan to ensure smooth passage for barges moving from the Mandovi bridge towards Miramar as interference from off-shore casinos vessels and fishing trawlers was disrupting the crucial route.
Represented concerns of stakeholders in the logistics sector and urging the Minister’s attention to several key issues, the GCCI requested for a permanent waiver of restrictions on barge movement through the Cumbarjua canal and under the Banastarim bridge, easing navigation for the industry.
It emphasised the need for mandatory examinations for all categories of maritime courses, including Sarang, Master (1st & 2nd Class), Engine Driver (1st & 2nd Class), and Inland Engineer as it will ensure a standardised level of competency among maritime professionals.
The delegation highlighted the urgent need to expedite the upgradation of the Brittona School, a vital training institute for Goan seafarers. Given the ongoing mining ban impacting their business for over a decade, the Chamber proposed a single tax system for the barge industry as it would alleviate the burden of multiple charges like barge tax and goods tax.
The delegation urged the department to organise monthly meetings with stakeholders including shipbuilders, barge owners, surveyors, fishing trawler owners, launch owners, shipping agents, custom clearance agents, representatives from the Goa Marine Operators Association (GMOEA), Goa Masters/Engineers Association, and casino owners.
This will facilitate communication and address industry-wide grievances.
The Minister discussed the points with the GCCI team but requested time to study the same and assured them that he would look into the matter.
GCCI delegation expressed confidence that addressing these concerns would significantly benefit the river logistics Sector.
The delegation comprised GCCI vice president Pratima Dhond, Logistics Committee chairman Chandrakant Gawas and Director General of GCCI Sanjay Amonkar and coordinator Sanket Kaskar.
