OLD GOA
The Sao Mathias and Goltim-Navelim panchayats in Divar have raised opposition to the construction of a retaining wall close to the Naroa ferry ramp as they opined that it could lead to the ferry services from Divar to Naroa being stopped by the River Navigation Department (RND).
Speaking at the Naroa ferry side on Thursday, Goltim-Navelim Sarpanch Mario Pinto said that the RND senior Superintendent has informed that if the retaining wall built so close to the ferry ramp is not demolished then the ferry services could be stopped.
"We had told the officials of the Soil Conservation Department not to build the retaining wall so close and to build it around five metres away from the ramp but overnight they laid the concrete," Pinto said while stating that the Soil Conservation Department officials did not turn up for the inspection. "We urge the RND minister to look into the matter so that the ferry services are not affected," Pinto urged.
Sao Mathias Sarpanch Supriya Kerkar too demanded that the portion of the retaining wall built close to the ferry ramp be demolished. Panch Prashant Harvalkar also demanded that the retaining wall be demolished so that there is no hindrance for the ferries to dock.
"Public from Bicholim use this ferry to travel to Divar and then to the mainland. Also, Divar locals travel to Bicholim," Harvalkar stated.
The panchas from both the panchayats, RND official and others were present.
