So many jetties, so little use

Before liberation, inland waterways were extensively used asa mode of transport in Goa. Boat services were used to connect various villagesin the State and therefore jetties were constructed on the banks of rivers.

Gradually boat services were stopped in 1970s and since thenthe jetties have been lying unused.

There are around 18 jetties in the State, which are notbeing used nor maintained. Most of these jetties are in bad condition and someare on the verge of collapse.

River Navigation has got 17 jetties out of which only twoi.e. Betim and Panjim jetty are in good condition and are being used. The other15 are not in use nor are in good condition.

Captain of Ports (CoP) has got five jetties out of whichthree are working while two are under repairs.

CoP has plans to renovate the Old Goa jetty but is awaitingNOC from Archeology Survey of India.

There are plans to give away the Ribandar jetty to MarineCostal Police.

Fisheries department also has five jetties at Chapora,Malim, Cuncolim, Curtorim and Talpona.  

Fisheries Director, Nanda KishorVerlekar said that thejetties were initially constructed by the department and later handed over to acooperative society who looks after its maintenance. The Curtorim jetty is notbeing used, the director said.

Captain of Ports, Captain James Braganza who is also incharge of River Navigation said: “There are 17 jetties which are in badcondition. Initially the jetties were used and therefore maintained. But now wedo not use them as those routes are not in use.”

“Why should we take up repair work of those jetties whichare not in use? It will be waste of public money,” Braganza said.

He further stated that government was planning to undertakea techno-feasibility survey of all jetties whether they can be used or not.Survey will also look into condition of each of the jetty.

“A proposal is already moved for short listing who wouldconduct the survey,” Braganza added.