PANAJI
The Minister for Ports, Aleixo Sequeira, on Wednesday stated that the nationalisation of rivers will greatly benefit Goa by bringing in funds from the Centre to develop the rivers as a logistic resource.
Speaking at an event in Panaji, Sequeira explained that under the nationalisation of rivers, the Goa government expects to secure funding from the Centre to enhance river infrastructure for logistical purposes.
“Logistics has to play a major role in Goa,” he emphasised.
The Minister also revealed that a detailed project report for setting up surveillance of the Zuari, Mandovi, and Cumbharjua rivers has already been completed by IIT Madras.
As part of the Sagarmala project, the government has plans to establish seven additional jetties in the State, exclusively for passenger transport and vessels conducting tourist cruises.
Sequeira further mentioned that ten new floating jetties are under construction and will be installed shortly.
He added that the Land Authority of India has commissioned a study, through a consultant, to address sandbar formation at the mouths of the rivers. Navigational aids are also being proposed and will be reinstated soon.
In addition, the Minister proposed the development of one of Goa’s islands, modelled after Singapore’s Sentosa Island. Plans to establish a network of green hydrogen facilities and marine hydrogen supply centres in the State were also announced.
