PERNEM
Angry locals confronted government officials over the proposed floating jetty at Chopdem on Friday morning, as opposition to the project has been growing over the past few days.
In a related development the Agarwada-Chopdem panchayat passed a resolution on Friday to oppose the floating jetty in its jurisdiction.
At present, the floating jetty is being built on the banks of Chapora River at Siolim and there are plans to shift the jetty to the Chopdem side of the river.
The first such floating jetty located at Captain of Ports in Panaji was inaugurated on February 21, 2020, while the second floating jetty at Old Goa was inaugurated virtually on Sunday, on the occasion of Goa Statehood Day.
Aware of the growing tension among locals opposed to the floating jetty, a team of officials led by Captain of Ports James Braganza went to Chopdem to inspect the old ferry wharf.
On learning that Capt Braganza and other officials were at the site, a group of locals went to the site to confront them about the project.
When asked about the purpose of the jetty, the officials said the floating jetty is being set up and it would be beneficial to locals, fishermen and tourists alike.
Unsatisfied with their answers, locals took a firm stand to oppose the jetty and objected to its presence in the river.
Officials then suggested that the locals could form a delegation to discuss the issue, but the locals rejected that proposal as well.
With locals refusing to accept their suggestions, the team from the Captain of Ports later left the site.
Opposing the jetty, ZP member Satish Shetgaonkar warned that people would not allow public funds to be utilised on a project which would affect traditional fishermen.
The local panchas, Nitin Chopdekar, Bhagirath Gaonkar, Hemant Chopdekar and Sanjay Kole also voiced their strong objection to the floating jetty.
Earlier speaking to reporters, a representative for the contractor had stated that the jetty is being built at Siolim, but would soon be shifted near the ferry point at Chopdem on the other side of the river.
"The State government is building the jetty from central funds and it will be used as a public jetty. It will be shifted to a site near the ferry point at Chopdem within a few days. We have intimated the Siolim-Marna about this work,” said the representative, adding that other such floating jetties are being set up in the State.
Meanwhile, Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte told reporters that he would not support the project if it is being opposed by locals.
“I will stand with locals, regardless of the personalities involved in the project. I contacted the Captain of Ports and was told that the five jetties are being set up in the State as part of the 'Sagarmala' project.”
“I'm not against building these jetties, but the government should not place them where there is opposition from locals," said Sopte.
