the goan I network
SALIGAO
The Reis Magos Sarpanch Kedar Naik has claimed that the boat cruise has disturbed peace and ecology of Reis Magos village and the fishing community has planned a protest if the government does not accept its demand to shift the vessel from Betim jetty to the new Panaji jetty.
Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar has now stated that the boat cruise at Betim will be shifted to the Panaji jetty, once work on the third Mandovi bridge is completed.
Speaking to The Goan, Reis Magos Sarpanch Kedar Naik said several tourists visit Betim jetty in the evening to go to the boat cruise. “As many cars and tourist buses arrive at the same time at Betim in the evening, it results in traffic congestion on the road,” said Naik.
“Once I was proceeding from Verem towards Panjim and on reaching the Betim ferry wharf, I realized that I had forgotten a bag at home. I wanted to reverse my car to go back to Verem, but the security deputed by the boat cruise did not allow me to take the turn. Such is the situation at Betim in the evening,” said the sarpanch.
“Further, the noise pollution created by the boat cruise stationed in Mandovi river during night has disturbed peace and ecology of Reis Magos village,” said Naik.
When contacted, a reliable source at the Captain of Ports said they have already written a letter to the tourism department to shift the boat cruise to Panaji jetty.
Speaking to The Goan, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar admitted having received the letter from the Captain of Ports regarding the shifting of the boat cruise anchored at Betim jetty.
“This boat will be shifted to the jetty of tourism department at Panaji, but the problem is that work on the third Mandovi bridge is in progress near the tourism jetty.”
“Right now, it is not possible to shift the vessel. As soon as the work is over, the boat cruise at Betim will definitely be shifted to the Panaji jetty,” assured Parulekar.
