the goan I network
MARGAO
The government is gearing up to provide immediate relief to the beleaguered boat owners operating from the Cutbona fishing jetty on account of the hostile navigation problems at the mouth of River Sal.
Local Velim MLA, Filipe Neri Rodrigues, who also holds the Fisheries portfolio, has moved a proposal to the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take interim measures at the river Sal mouth to overcome the problem thrown up by the sand bar.
While the CM has in principle agreed to the proposal, Filipe Neri said he would again discuss the matter with Sawant and shortlist the agencies to take up the dredging work at the river Sal mouth.
The minister told The Goan on Tuesday that considering the difficulties faced by the fishing vessels operating from the Cutbona fishing jetty, the government has agreed to dredge the river Sal mouth to overcome the sand bar.
“It is only a matter of time before the government obtains permissions and NOCs from the departments concerned before taking up the work,” Filipe said.
He said the Chief Minister is aware of the ground reality due to which fishing vessels cannot venture out during the low tide.
Sources in the know say while the government has almost sanctioned the project, the question of roping in agencies with expertise to dredge water bodies may come to haunt the authorities.
The government proposes to dredge only a small area at the river Sal mouth. The authorities are keeping their fingers crossed to see whether any of the agencies will take up the job considering its small nature.
