PANAJI: The River Navigation Department (RND) today finally began operations to remove the ferry boat Betim, which has been lying partially submerged at the Chorao ferry point for the past five days. The delay has triggered sharp criticism from the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Patkar, who alleged gross negligence and inaction by the BJP-led state government.
The ferry, which services one of the key river crossings to Chorao, partially sank on Monday while docked. According to RND officials, the incident occurred due to water accumulation. While no passengers or crew were on board at the time, three motorcycles belonging to ferry staff were submerged.
Patkar, who visited the site today, called RND Director Vikramsinh N. Rajebhosale, who reportedly admitted that the department had not yet issued the required work order. Patkar slammed the government’s inaction, saying it endangered public safety and caused unnecessary inconvenience to commuters.
“Five days. A sunken ferry. Zero accountability,” Patkar said in a post on X. “Shockingly, we discovered that the work order or contract to remove the ferry was still not issued by the RND. This shows how corrupt the Goa BJP government is, no process, no paperwork, and no responsibility.”
He further accused the government of prioritising events and optics over urgent civic issues. “Under the BJP, Goa is sinking in corruption, negligence, and apathy. Goa deserves better. Goans deserve answers,” he said.
