The Captain of Ports headed committee finalized ‘Master & Associates’ from a list of other bidders to carry out the study and submit the report within three-to-four months.

The government had earlier this year proposed developing the stretch starting from the mouth of the River Chapora to Colvale Bridge. The proposal consisted of setting up a ferry terminal, a traditional tourist village, salt pans, fisherman’s wharf, museum, hotel complex, aquarium, sea world, bird park and an adventure sports island at potential sites.

The committee, chaired by Captain of Ports James Braganza along with superintendent of River Navigation as its member secretary and officials/representatives from the departments of Finance, Tourism, Panchayats, Goa State Pollution Control Board, Hydrographic Surveyor and Fisheries was subsequently formed to float Expression of Interest to appoint a consultancy firm.

With the latest development, the tourism project is expected to begin by next year, which would generate 1500 direct and over 6000 indirect employment opportunities for locals.

“It will also have utilization of water transport with floating marinas and will be self sufficient in water and power consumption. There will be zero waste generation with packed desalination plant and water treatment plant,” an officer said quoting the proposal.