MARGAO: Following directions from the High Court at Bombay at Goa, a joint inspection conducted by the authorities concerned revealed that the Cutbona Jetty was kept unclean as open defecation was occurring around the jetty, creating a significant nuisance for locals.
The Velim Village Panchayat raised concerns and accused the Fisheries Department of overloading the panchayat with responsibilities and diverting all revenue generated from fishing activities at the jetty.
This inspection involved representatives from the Fisheries Department, Deputy Collector of Quepem, FDA, Legal Metrology, Health, Coastal Police, Traffic Police, Panchayat, and other officials.
The purpose of the inspection was to address the issues raised by the panchayat, with regards to cleanliness, sanitation, encroachments and traffic management.
Speaking to mediapersons after the inspection, Velim sarpanch Veena Cardozo highlighted the lack of proper toilet facilities at the Cutbona jetty.
She informed that this deficiency has led to labourers engaging in open defecation, contributing to sanitation issues in the area.
“This has resulted in major nuisance in the locality,” said Veena.
She said, “Hence, we have asked the Fisheries Department to initiate measures to address the issue.”
Veena noted that toilet blocks installed at the site, which had previously been kept closed, were suddenly opened on Wednesday.
The Sarpanch revealed that the Fisheries Department instructed the panchayat to take action regarding cleanliness and other maintenance tasks. She asked, “Why should we do this when all the revenue is taken away by the Fisheries Department?”
Sanitary inspector Vasudev Naik admitted that there is a significant lack of cleanliness at the jetty.
He acknowledged that this issue has led to considerable nuisance in the area.
South Goa SP(Traffic) Prabodh Shiwaikar called for improving traffic management at the jetty.
“There is a need for a parking lot for two-wheelers, four-wheelers and trucks as well as traffic signboards,” he added.
