Upkeep dispute deepens Cutbona jetty concerns

Margao Deputy Collector Laxmikant Desai along with Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar and officials of government agencies at the Cutbona fishing jetty for an inspection.

MARGAO
A joint inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty on Tuesday once again exposed persistent deficiencies in sanitation, hygiene, and overall maintenance at Goa’s largest fishing hub—an area that has already witnessed cholera outbreaks over the past two fishing seasons.
Despite government efforts to upgrade infrastructure and address post-outbreak concerns, systems to ensure regular upkeep remain inadequate. A fresh inspection on Wednesday, led by Margao Deputy Collector Laxmikant Desai and Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar, highlighted that many longstanding issues continue unresolved.
A key point of contention during the inspection held on Wednesday was the question of responsibility for maintaining the jetty. Officials directed Velim Sarpanch Veena Cardozo to oversee cleanliness as the local authority. However, Cardozo firmly maintained that the responsibility lies with the Fisheries Department.
She argued that since the department collects fees from fish agents operating at the jetty, it should also bear the cost of maintenance. “The panchayat does not have the financial resources to undertake such work. The Fisheries Department had earlier promised funds for upkeep, but none have been released so far,” she said.
Cardozo added that while the panchayat has no issue collecting garbage from market stalls, broader responsibilities such as cleaning and washing the jetty fall under the Fisheries Department’s jurisdiction. She also pointed out that the panchayat receives no direct financial benefit from the jetty. 
“Even octroi collection from the fuel pumps operating at the jetty, which once contributed to our revenue, has been taken away. Fishing vessels occupy roads leading to the jetty, but the revenue generated does not come to us,” she noted.
Sulabh facing water issues at jetty
Meanwhile, sanitation services at the jetty continue to face operational challenges. Officials from Sulabh International reported ongoing issues with water supply, forcing them to depend on costly water tankers. Although the facility is connected to the PWD water line, inconsistent pressure disrupts regular operations.
“The supply exists, but not at the required pressure throughout the day. At times, the facility sees little use, but it can suddenly be overwhelmed when there is a rush of workers as fishing vessels return to the fishing jetty with the catch,” an official explained, stressing the need for a dedicated water connection.
Currently, Sulabh is not charging users for toilet and bathroom facilities, as the government reimburses operational costs. However, officials said reimbursements are often delayed due to lengthy approval processes.
In the absence of a functional sewage treatment plant (STP), the agency is also incurring additional expenses to manage waste. Sewage is transported using night soil tankers, with each trip costing between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000. 
Officials said they remain uncertain about the completion timeline of the STP being developed by the Sewage Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Ltd (SIDCGL). “We have no idea when the STP will be commissioned since the work for setting up the plant has been given to the Corporation,” the official said.
Until a permanent solution is in place, the reliance on tanker-based waste disposal is expected to continue, adding to the operational burden and raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
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Authorities warn errant boat owners over old vessels, fishing gear clutter
MARGAO: Another joint inspection of the newly developed Cutbona fishing jetty on Wednesday greeted officials with fishing nets, dinghies and ageing vessels at the facility—prompting authorities to warn of strict legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against errant boat owners.
The inspection team, led by Margao Deputy Collector Laxmikant Desai, was accompanied by Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar, Velim Sarpanch Veena Cardozo, and officials from the Balli Primary Health Centre, Fisheries Department and Sulabh agency. The visit comes against the backdrop of recurring cholera outbreaks that have affected the jetty during the past two fishing seasons, raising serious public health concerns.
Walking through the jetty premises, the team noted multiple violations, including the unauthorised anchoring of old vessels and the storage of fishing equipment such as nets and dinghies. Officials said the obstructions not only hamper the smooth functioning of the jetty but also contribute to unhygienic conditions that could aggravate the risk of disease.
Speaking after the inspection, Desai said immediate steps are being initiated to strengthen health safeguards at the jetty before the commencement of the new fishing season. 
“I have directed health officials to put in place a comprehensive screening mechanism for migrant labourers arriving at the jetty. It is crucial that all workers are thoroughly screened on arrival to prevent any potential outbreak,” he said.
Desai acknowledged that a number of old vessels were found anchored at the site in violation of regulations. He warned that the administration would not hesitate to invoke provisions of the BNS to clear the jetty of unauthorised structures and equipment. 
“I am awaiting a detailed report from the Mamlatdar. Based on the findings, notices will be issued to the concerned boat owners by Monday,” he stated.