PANJIM: State government has reiterated that nationalization of rivers in Goa will not take away the rights of the state, even as the Centre’s project to develop Goa’s six rivers as ‘national waterways’ remains pending amidst opposition from the people.
“State government will have full authority as far as giving national importance to rivers in Goa is concerned. The Centre will only fund for the development of these rivers,” Minister for Ports Jayesh Salgaonkar said on the sidelines of laying the foundation stone for the ‘Construction of New Terminal Building for Captain of Ports’ in the capital on Monday.
More than a year ago in December 2017, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar led government made the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) public clarifying repeatedly that the rivers are declared ‘National Waterways’ and the State will continue to enjoy all rights. Unlike other states, Parrikar had maintained that Goa will get its power back after signing the MoU and its rights will not be infringed upon either by the Indian Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) or Mormugao Port Trust (MPT). He had apprehended that not signing the MoU will revert all rights to the Centre.
As per the draft MoU, the right over the waters of all the rivers, including river stretches to be undertaken for development by IWAI, river beds, river banks, existing infrastructure and the riverine land will be vested with the Ports Department. The State’s powers also includes ensuring unrestricted development and utilization of National Waters by regulating the existing fishing activities carried through stake net fishing, barrier net, river gill, river cages and fishing by any registered gear. The draft copy also mentioned that views of local fishermen will be taken into consideration before finalization of a site for development by CoP and IWAI.
On the proposed terminal building in Panjim, Salgaonkar said that it will take into account trade and allied business partners in the building and also will add to the revenue of the government. “The design of the building will resemble the form of a ship”, he said adding that the Ports Department is doing good work in keeping Goa’s rivers trade friendly and navigable.
The Minister also informed that the Department is working on opening of river mouths where sand bars have formed. “Siltation needs to be removed and for this we need the cooperation of the Government and local stakeholders,” he said.
The new terminal building will be constructed by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) and the total cost including civil, plumbing, electrical and fire fighting works will be Rs 25.18 crores. Salgaonkar said the work is expected to be completed within a span of 18 months.
The Minister also spoke about the floating jetties claiming it will revive the inland waterways.
