Concluding the three-part series on illegalities in the controversial Siolim Jetty, in Part III we bring to you how the project started with a note and how various authorities turned a blind eye to the illegalities
PANJIM: What started as a small project of construction of a bund was later converted to construction of a jetty on River Chapora, at Siolim
The notes moved for Administrative Approval, Expenditure Sanction, and so also the tender document, make no mention of construction of jetty and only say “Development of Riverfront along River Chapora, at Siolim Bardez-Goa”. Even the panchayat NOC makes no mention of construction of jetty,
It started with a brief note from then Water Resources Minister Dayanand Mandrekar on January 29, 2015 for Development of Riverfront along River Chapora, at Ria, Siolim, VP Marna, Siolim.
Following this, P B Badami, Executive Engineer Works Division – I (WRD), inspected the site and submitted a report on March 23, 2015 saying (quoted verbatim) “on the direction from the Hon’ble water resources minister, it was the need of the hour to take up the above mentioned work on priority as the existing protection wall is in very bad shape and may collapse any time in coming couple of monsoons resulting in flooding of the surrounding area in the village and making difficult to stay the daily livelihood of locals.”
Thereafter, on April 17, 2015 a note was moved from the Chief Engineer’s office for administrative approval of the government for the estimated cost Rs 9,80,65,000 for Development of Chapora Riverfront.
It is important to reprint what the note says: “The estimate has been prepared based on GSR 2011. The estimated cost of Rs 9,80,65,000 is inclusive of 15 per cent ad hoc increase for irrigation works, 1 p.c labour cess, 1.10 p.c RITES charges, 12.36 p.c service tax on RITES and 3 p.c contingency.”
The question arises here, if the cost has included 15 per cent ad hoc increase and other charges how was the tender awarded at Rs 12.15 cr?
Nonetheless, the e-tender floated on May 27, 2015 again says, “Development of Riverfront along River Chapora at Siolim Bardez-Goa” which had two bidders.
After getting the administrative approval and expenditure sanction, the file was moved to the Goa State Works Board and the Expenditure Finance Committee, which has the Chief Secretary as chairman and Principal Secretary (WR), Finance Secretary, Chief Engineer (WRD), Additional Secretary (budget), Additional Secretary Finance (Expenditure) as its members. Interestingly, the Works Board also tried to play down the construction of the jetty.
“The Siolim village is protected by bund which stops the entry of saline, tidal and flood waters from the Chapora River into the village and low-lying fields during high tide sand heavy precipitation. The bund constructed was an old one and is in a bad shape. The road on the bund connects the houses in the neighbourhood in the market. Hence, the department has proposed to improve the said wall and also provide by footpath by cantilevering into river providing pavers and lighting. A small circular jetty was also proposed for benefits of the people of the village and also as a tourist attraction,” says a shocking approval letter of the Works Board.
Clearly the real purpose of building a jetty was hidden and disguised behind strengthening a bund.
When the WRD had crossed the administrative hurdle, it was now to get permissions from local body and the other agencies.
A NOC from Siolim village panchayat on November 19, 2015 says, “Approved and passed Resolution No 8 (1) it is resolved by the panchayat body to take up the work of beautification from Siolim–Chopdem bridge to Siolim fish market under Water Resources Department.” The panchayat has not granted any NOC for jetty.
Thereafter, the Goa State Coastal Management Authority (GCZMA) – the green body – goes a step ahead and says the bund has already collapsed just to add seriousness to the whole issue – when in reality there was no collapse.
The NOC of CoP says, “After inspection the department sees no objection for construction of repair of bund from Siolim bridge to Siolim market in a distance of 420 metres and construction of platform with arc along with jetty facility on pile foundation.”
At all levels the thrust is given on repair of bund, so that the issue gets importance and the construction of jetty is underplayed as is clear from the report of GSWB which terms “a small jetty is also proposed”, which proves the project was full of illegalities right from the start.
