Team Herald
PONDA: Followed instances of children jumping from the top of the anchored ferry at Durbhat to swim in the Zuari River to beat the heat, the ferry service between Durbhat and Rasoi has been temporarily suspended by the Captain of Ports.
According to locals, it’s been 20 days since the service has been temporarily suspended as children were gaining unauthorised access to the ferry at the Durbhat ramp and jumping into the river, not only from the side railings but also from the roof, posing a significant safety risk. There were concerns about potential injury from the ferry’s underwater fan.
Durbhat Adpoi Agapur sarpanch Chandan Naik, stated that the panchayat has not received any complaints regarding the suspension of ferry service. He said, “The Captain of Ports’ decision was due to the dangerous activity of children jumping from the ferry for bathing. We were unable to reach the Captain of Ports officials for their comment on the matter.”
Locals said “We have also learned that the ferry previously operating between Durbhat and Rasoi has now been redirected to the Adpoi to Rasoi route. Consequently, there are now two ferries operating between Adpoi and Rasoi. This ferry service is a crucial link for numerous workers commuting from Ponda taluka towards Mormugao taluka via Rasoi and the Verna Industrial Estate, as well as other passengers travelling between Vasco and Ponda.”
There have been mixed reactions to the Durbhat ferry’s suspension. Some commuters and industrial workers have reportedly welcomed the increased frequency on the Adpoi-Rasoi route, noting its shorter five-minute travel time compared to the 25 minutes for the Durbhat-Rasoi route, which also results in diesel and time savings.
However, residents in the Durbhat and Adpoi vicinity opine that the government should maintain the Durbhat-Rasoi ferry service, highlighting its long-standing operation and the Durbhat ramp’s location within a residential area, considered safer, especially for women. They pointed out that while the Adpoi-Rasoi route is shorter, the 1 km approach road to the Adpoi ferry ramp passes through an isolated area, which could be risky for women travelling alone. Additionally, they have concerns about narrow roads and speeding vehicles in the Adpoi area posing a safety risk to locals.