Total estimated cost of spruce up is Rs 24 crore; includes extension of existing jetty by another 226 meters block and retaining wall at the mouth of river Sal
TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: With the controversy over the fish meal plant and the land acquisition process a thing of the past, the government has chalked out an ambitious plan to spruce up the infrastructure at the Cutbona fishing jetty at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore.
Extension of the existing jetty by another 226 meters, construction of a 50-seater toilet block and retaining wall at the mouth of river Sal mouth have been planned by the government at the fishing hub of the South. Besides, the fisheries department has plans to engage a reputed agency to conduct a model study on the river, the problem of sedimentation and other related issues.
Says Fisheries Director, Sharmila Monteiro: “The state government is forwarding a formal proposal for infrastructure projects at Cutbona jetty. The toilet block itself will cost Rs 50 lakh and will be constructed by Sulabh International.”
She said the government will approach the Centre for funds to take up the work on cost-sharing basis in the ratio 75:25. “The mechanised boat owners have been facing hostile navigational problems at the mouth of Sal. This problem will also be taken care of in the proposal mooted by the department by constructing a retaining wall at the mouth as suggested by the West Bengal-based consultant,” she added.
Sources in the know said the Fisheries Department has completed the ground work by obtaining NOCs from the department concerned towards the implementation of the project.
Velim Sarpanch Melvyn Sanches said the Panchayat has issued a provisional NOC to the Fisheries Department to extend the fishing jetty and to put in place sanitation facilities. “Velim villagers were totally against the fish meal plant. And we will oppose acquisition of additional land for any fish meal plant. But, the Panchayat has given its NOC for the jetty extension.
Plans afoot to give Cutbona jetty a new look
MARGAO: With the controversy over the fish meal plant and the land acquisition process a thing of the past, the government has chalked out an ambitious plan to spruce up the infrastructure at the Cutbona fishing jetty at an estimated cost of Rs 24 crore.
