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, only say “Development of Riverfront along River Chapora, at Siolim Bardez-Goa”.
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, 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.
Clearly the real purpose of building a jetty was hidden and disguised behind strengthening a bund.
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.
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.
Publication date – June 11, 2017
