A capsized fishing boat remains at the Cutbona fishing jetty months after sinking, posing a hazard to vessels navigating the area. (Right) Decaying fish add to the unhygienic conditions at Cutbona fishing jetty. Santosh Mirajkar
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THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
Stagnant water and rotten fish lying unattended, a capsized boat awaiting removal and haphazard vehicular parking have once again brought the state of affairs at the Cutbona fishing jetty into sharp focus, raising serious concerns over sanitation, maintenance and safety at Goa’s largest fishing hub.
The deteriorating conditions at the jetty have revived memories of the cholera and dengue outbreaks that had brought the facility under intense public scrutiny just two fishing seasons ago. With stagnant water and decaying fish contributing to an unhygienic environment, questions are being raised over whether the jetty is slipping back into the state of neglect that had earlier triggered concerns over public health.
Sanitation concerns persist
A visit to the fishing jetty revealed several shortcomings in its upkeep and maintenance. Stagnant pools of water, including areas near the shed and along the expanded portion of the jetty, have come to light. The unhygienic conditions have raised questions about the regularity of cleaning operations and whether an agency has been engaged by the Directorate of Fisheries to ensure proper sanitation and maintenance of the premises.
The sanitation issue, however, is only one of several problems confronting the jetty. A fishing boat that capsized near the facility and sank around four months ago is yet to be removed, despite concerns raised by boat owners over the obstruction it poses to the movement of fishing vessels.
The sunken vessel is reportedly hampering smooth navigation, particularly for boats entering and leaving the new jetty. Boat owners have expressed concern that the delay in towing it away could pose a safety hazard in an area that witnesses regular movement of fishing vessels.
Adding to the congestion is the continued occupation of valuable jetty space by fishing boats that are no longer operational. Boat owners have complained that these idle vessels are occupying berthing space that could otherwise be used by active fishing boats, aggravating the space crunch at the busy fishing hub.
Federation seeks urgent action
The issues figured prominently at a meeting of boat owners held on Wednesday, where members called for urgent intervention by the Directorate of Fisheries to address the deteriorating conditions and resolve long-pending operational problems at the jetty.
Following the meeting, the Cutbona Boat Owners Federation submitted a written representation to the Fisheries Department office at the jetty, drawing attention to the unhygienic surroundings, improper traffic management, lack of clearly demarcated parking slots and the occupation of valuable space by idle fishing boats.
The federation has called for immediate corrective measures, stressing that the problems require timely intervention to ensure the smooth functioning of the jetty and safeguard the interests of the fishing community.
Federation secretary Patrick D’Silva, in particular, drew the attention of the Director of Fisheries to the sunken boat, pointing out that the vessel had remained at the site for several months without being removed.
D’Silva lamented the lack of action despite the issue having been brought to the notice of the authorities concerned. He said the sunken boat posed a serious safety hazard to fishing vessels navigating their way into and out of the new jetty, underscoring the need for its immediate removal.
The federation also expressed concern over the lack of progress on issues that had already been raised with the authorities on previous occasions.
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Velim panchayat limits role at
jetty to garbage collection
THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The Velim Panchayat has maintained that its responsibility at the jetty is limited to garbage collection, while the washing and upkeep of the facility fall under the jurisdiction of the Fisheries Department.
Acknowledging the deteriorating conditions at the jetty, Velim sarpanch Veena Cardozo said the Panchayat had taken up the collection and disposal of garbage generated at the site after the Director of Fisheries promised funds for the purpose.
However, Cardozo clarified that the cleaning and washing of the jetty remained the responsibility of the Fisheries Department.
“It is a fact that water stagnation at the jetty has aggravated the situation. I had earlier suggested to Fisheries Department officials that the wastewater generated at the jetty be channelled away, but no action was taken. In the absence of an outlet for the water to drain, wastewater has stagnated, creating unhygienic conditions,” she said.
The sarpanch said the Fisheries Department had agreed to sanction Rs 80,000 per month for the collection and disposal of garbage. However, she pointed out that the funds were specifically earmarked for garbage management and did not cover the cleaning and washing of the jetty.
