River Princess to stay for the mosoons
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, JUNE 6
Though the State Government expedited the process for removal of M V River Princess after people of Candolim exerted pressure on the government for its removal as also moved High Court by way of a public interest litigation, it’s now certain that the grounded vessel can’t be removed before monsoon ends.
Grounded off Candolim beach nine years ago, in June, M V River Princess will remain moored in Candolim beach waters for yet another monsoon even as the government gave up its futile attempt to find a bidder to tow a way the vessel without breaking it.
Finally, two months back, tenders were floated for removing the vessel by breaking it into pieces but it will be a few more months before the actual work begins. The government has not come to a decision to whom to give the contract.
“Sub-committee for Disaster Management Committee (DMC) has short listed two parties and report has been submitted to the main committee,” said one officer from the Tourism Department. The core committee is likely to meet this month and deliberate on the report and take the decision.
The Sub-Committee in its meeting held last month, has
technically qualified M/s Titan Salvage, Singapore and M/s
Madgaonkar Salvge , Panjim, and they were called for opening of the financial bids.
M/s Madgaonkar Salvage quoted five different rates as charges for removal of the wreck. For removal of entire wreck it quoted Rs 98 crore whereas for removal of wreck and reinstatement of eroded section of the beach to the maximum extent possible, it quoted Rs 180 crore.
On the other hand M/s Titan Salvage quoted Rs 112.50 or Rs 25 million US dollars for removal of the wreck. However, this cost doesn’t include cost of disposal of the scrap. Also, its transportation and disposal would have to be taken care by the government, clarified the company.
