Team Herald
PANJIM: MLAs, cutting across party lines, opposed the nationalisation of the inland waterways. They suggested that funds may be obtained from the Centre but that ownership of the rivers should not be parted with.
River Navigation Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar informed the House that under the centrally funded scheme ‘Sagarmala’ the department has prepared a DPR (detailed project report) of Rs 95 crore. He said the rivers needs to be desilted so as to make them operational. The Minister said there are four routes which will be taken under this scheme to connect Panjim with Aldona, Old Goa, Pilgao and Chodan.
The MLAs urged the minister to look into the conditions of the scheme so that national river navigation won’t claim ownership over the river.
“Ask for the funds and carry out the dredging, not a problem but don’t give up the ownership of the river,” Deputy Speaker Vishnu Surya Wagh said.
“We cannot give ownership of the river to the Centre. Appoint a house committee to recommend on this project,” Independent MLA Vijai Sardesai said.
Congress MLA Pandurang Madkaikar said there are fishermen residing in the vicinity of the river and they should not be troubled. “The fishermen should not be victimized and made to run from Goa to Delhi to get even simple permissions,” Madkaikar said.
The demand of the MLAs was also supported by BJP MLA Nilesh Cabral and GVP MLA Caetano (Caitu) Silva.
While replying, Dhavalikar said the project is at a preliminary stage and by end of the session a proper reply will be given after consultation with the Chief Minister. He informed the House that there are 23,000 commuters currently using the ferry service on a daily basis, however, it would be doubled once the proposed routes become a reality.
Panjim MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar and Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte demanded an increase in the number of ferry boats and a new Malim-Panjim ferry service in view of the traffic congestion due to construction of the new bridge over river Mandovi.
The minister said the department will take up the suggestion on an experimental basis and that it won’t be feasible to increase the ferries.
There are currently 38 ferry boats operating on 18 routes across the State. The minister said one ferry boat for tourism will be launched by October this year.
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Staff working hours to be reduced
River Navigation Department will reduce the duty hours of the flotila staff from the present 24 hours duty.
RND Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said that by reducing the duty hours the department will save Rs 3.5 crore on salaries annually. He said the staff used to work for 24 hours and take one and half day off but the new system will reduce the work load.
He also said a new sailor will get paid on par with a lower division clerk whereas the existing sailor who is Class VII pass is earning more than Rs 33,000.
