MAPUSA
The long-pending issue of the deteriorating condition of the Chapora jetty in North Goa found voice in the State Legislative Assembly on Friday, with Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar assuring the House that repair works would commence shortly.
He also informed that a separate proposal for extending the jetty – estimated at ₹40 crore – has been submitted to the Union government for approval.
Responding to concerns raised by Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo during the Question Hour, Minister Halarnkar confirmed that the existing jetty, which has been in a state of disrepair for some time, has already been tendered for repairs.
“The work will be taken up very soon,” he said, assuring that the safety of fishermen and the integrity of the fishing infrastructure remain top priorities for the government.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo said the jetty is in such a poor condition that fishermen from Chapora and neighbouring villages fear it could collapse at any moment.
“Fishermen are anxious. They use this jetty daily for their livelihood. The government must act swiftly to avert any disaster,” Lobo urged.
Chapora jetty is one of the most vital fishing hubs in North Goa, supporting hundreds of traditional fishing families in the region.
Local fishermen and community leaders have long complained about the lack of maintenance at the jetty, raising safety concerns for both boats and workers.
The Goan had highlighted how the cracks, damaged flooring and rusted railings have made the structure hazardous for daily operations, especially during the monsoon season.
With the fishing season in full swing post-monsoon, stakeholders hope the government’s assurance translates into timely action on the ground.
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Chapora river mouth dredging by Oct: Min
MAPUSA: Ports Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Friday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that dredging of the Chapora river mouth will be completed by October, addressing long-standing concerns of local fishermen.
Responding to Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo, who highlighted the hardships faced by fishermen due to heavy siltation, Sequeira said, “The earlier contractor failed to do the job, so we floated a fresh tender on July 23. The dredging will be completed before October this year.”
Lobo said fishing communities often have to wait for high tide to navigate, as silt build-up near the river mouth hampers movement. She noted the work had been tendered multiple times without success.
In a written reply, Sequeira explained that the initial tender for maintenance dredging, floated in February 2024, was withdrawn after discussions in the House suggested the dredged sand could be used constructively instead of dumping it at sea.
However, testing of sand samples by the Goa College of Engineering and the Water Resources Department found the material unsuitable for reuse.
Subsequently, a proposal by M/s. Alliance Translines LLP to carry out the work at no cost to the government was accepted, and a work order was issued on January 7, 2025.
However, the contractor backed out in April, citing commercial non-viability and adverse weather and environmental conditions.
Following this, the Ports Department prepared a fresh tender for the dredging work, which is now awaiting government approval.
Sequeira assured the House that the government is committed to completing the work urgently to ensure smooth and safe navigation for fishing vessels in the region.
