Team Herald
PANJIM: Hopes are high that after four floating jetties – one of which was inaugurated last Friday, Goa will soon get an additional 30 new such ramps across various parts paving way for massive revival of inland waterways, on the lines of its usage during the by-gone Portuguese era.
Ports Minister Michael Lobo said the overall project will ensure that locals avail the facility till late hours, like the existing traditional ferry boats. “I am proposing decongestion of national highways and roads through this initiative. Our emphasis is generation of local employment, promoting hinterland tourism and the facility’s availability till late hours,” he said, while speaking to Herald on the project.
Lobo has urged Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh Mandaviya, to expedite the process to approve his proposal in the interest of the locals and Goa Tourism.
The 30 proposed jetties, he said, will allow operations of more than 1 ferry boat depending on the length of the river.
“The jetties, depending on the length of the river, will allow operations and parking of maximum 5 ferry boats. We are also working out routes along these 30 locations,” he said.
Estimated at Rs 20-25 crore, the project will be fully funded by the Centre with no hassles on obtaining clearances from any authorities except the Ports Administration. “The project does not require EIA or GCZMA permission except for an approval from the Ports department. There is no need for a public hearing too. The project is environmental friendly,” Lobo added. Asked if the jetties would be created, the minister said, it would be created at the existing locations which will need suitable upgradation.
Last Friday, the concrete-made portable and easy use jetty was inaugurated by Mandaviya at the Port Department’s premise on the bank of River Mandovi. With this, Goa became the first State in the India to get a floating jetty. In addition, three jetties at Old Goa, Panjim ferry wharf and Chopdem River will be added soon. In the wake of increasing traffic across the country including in the vicinity of airports, Mandaviya proposed extending this initiative along country’s entire coastline.
