the goan I network
VASCO
Captain of Ports (CoP) James Braganza on Monday said plans were afoot to take up work on floating jetties, river jetties, a solar ferry boat and an administrative building during this financial year.
Capt Braganza was speaking to reporters alongside a function organised by the Goa Barge Owners Association in the Mandovi River.
“Under central Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) schemes, we will get 100% to complete 4 floating jetties of around 350 metres, three in the Mandovi river and one in the Chapora river in this financial year.”
“We are also taking up nine jetties under the Sagarmala project which will be located in the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, besides the Cumbharjua canal.”
“These jetties will be mostly used for cruising and barges can also utilise them for bunker, fresh water and other supplies.”
Capt Braganza said the CoP had just completed dredging early in the year at the mouth of Chapora river to enable smooth navigation for fishing and other vessels.
“Presently, we have completed an EIA study by NIO, wherein we have just submitted a report for the 18-km stretch of Sal River, Talpona and Galgibag. This will enable us to do dredging at strategic locations, which will also help de-silt the river and enable safe navigation.”
“The IWAI is also considering the proposal given by us to get navigation aids at strategic locations in the Mandovi and Zuari rivers,” said Capt Braganza.
“We are also going to add three new ferry boats which are under construction and will be ready in the next four months and will add to our fleet of 39 ferry boats.”
“We will also have a solar ferry boat at a cost of about Rs 6.5 crore and this will help in terms of speed as well as maintenance and cost effectiveness,” he said.
He informed that the CoP also has the statement of compliance sought by the DG of Shipping to help barge owners move freely from one state to another.
“We are ready with it and based on this the State government would give barge owners this permission at a much lesser cost.”
“We will also have a terminal building which will be used exclusively as an administrative building for the ports department and other stakeholders like barge owners, launch owners, customs, immigration and marine coastal police, who are an integral part of our committee.”
“As far as barge taxes are concerned, we have moved a proposal to the State government, which is now with the finance department for consideration. I am sure it will be considered and it will offer some respite to the barge owners,” said Capt Braganza.
