THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI:
Days after a ferryboat submerged at Chorao ferry- the salvage work of which is underway, the Congress party on Wednesday demanded a safety audit of all such boats.
The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) led by the president Amit Patkar gheraoed RND Superintendent Vikramsingh Bhonsle over the Chorao ferry incident. The congress workers took a ferry ride from Panaji to Betim to march to the RND office.
Congress held the BJP-led state government accountable for gross negligence and systemic corruption.
Patkar demanded that the safety audit of all ferry boats be conducted on priority. He alleged that the boats lack safety measures like fire fighting gears.
Patkar alleged “criminal negligence” and a “total failure” in maintaining essential public infrastructure.
“This is not just negligence-it’s a glaring example of the government’s misplaced priorities. While crores are spent on festivals and promotions, basic services like ferry operations are being ignored,” he said.
On Monday, the ferry boat, docked at the Chorao ferry, rammed partially submerged into the water. RND said that the incident was due to water accumulation. Though no passengers or crew were on board at the time, preventing injury or loss of life, three motorcycles belonging to ferry staff were submerged.
