VASCO
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday announced that the State will get its first Solar Hybrid Electric Green boat for inland water transport by April in a bid to reduce environmental pollution.
Speaking during the budget speech, Sawant said two more conventional ferry boats are under construction and will be soon added to the fleet of 35 ferry boats to replace the older ones.
“For this fleet upgradation, construction and renovation of jetties, I have allotted total capital outlay of Rs 48.70 crore for 2022-23,” said Sawant.
He added that the construction of a state-of-the-art terminal building for Captain of Ports at a cost of Rs 25.18 crore will be completed by the end of the year.
“Continuous upgradation and beautification of landing facilities at various ferry ramps such as Panaji, Ribandar and Old Goa is in progress for smooth ferry operations,” said Sawant.
The chief minister added that the 1st phase of Phase II for river rejuvenation under desilting of River Sal is completed.
“My Government wants to undertake 2nd phase of Phase II for which I have made a budget provision of Rs 10 crore. Further, in the second phase of rejuvenation of River Sal, the damaged embankment will be restored and a barrage structure with mechanical gate opening with large aeration units will be installed to continuously improve the water quality at a cost of around Rs 20 crore,” said Sawant.
