Takes potshots at Calangute MLA, warns of moving court
PANJIM, AUG 13
While the State Government is yet to award contract for removal of M V River Princess (RP) that has been stranded off Candolim beach almost for a decade now, ex-MLA of Calangute, Suresh Parulekar has alleged scam in the process of selection of the contractor for removal of the vessel and demanded that it be cancelled.
Addressing a press conference on Friday here, ex-Calangute MLA alleged that seating Calangute MLA, Agnelo Fernandes who is part of the sub-committee appointed by the government is directly involved in the scam.
The sub-committee was constituted to scrutinise tenders for removal of RP and accordingly make recommendations to Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).
Questioning the authority of the sub-committee, he charged that the government could not have appointed the sub-committee. When contacted Calangute MLA hit back saying Parulekar was MLA of Calangute in 2000 when RP grounded at Candolim beach. “Probably he had a deal with the industrialist and now MLA of Savordem, Anil Salgoankar to remove the vessel. He wants to repay the debt and so has taken cudgels on behalf of Salgaonkar,” retorted Fernandes.
He said he is on the sub-committee in capacity as Calangute MLA and his people are affected by environmental damaged caused by the grounded vessel.
Parulekar lamented how Salgaonkar was sidelined even though he had offered better deal to remove RP, he could not justify why he was supporting the cause of miner who failed to own-up responsibility for damaged caused by his vessel to the environment. The RP was reported brought on lease by Salgaonkar but according department of tourism there are no papers to prove his ownership .
According to Parulekar in 1998 Salgaonkar Mining purchased RP having capacity of 1,15,000 DWT for operating at Panjim port.
In 2000, on account of heavy cyclonic storm and strong currents, it broke anchor chain and drifted uncontrolled and grounded at Candolim.
Further reacting to allegations by Parulekar, Fenandes said “Whole Goa knows what a person he is — no Party wants to take him. He is a “dead wood” and wants to revive his flagging political career by making baseless allegations.”
The Disaster Management Committee (DMC) in principle had decided to award the tender to M/s Titan Maritime Pvt Ltd, a Singapore based company for removal of the RP. As to the High Court on Wednesday the government will award the contract on August 17. Parulekar has threatened to move Court if the Government does not cancel the contract.
