A proposal about the installation and commissioning of water taxis to ply throughout the length and breadth of Goa is on the anvil and may become a reality very soon. This project is part of a central government's initiative to develop 18 locations across the country. It was initially studied, examined, and proposed by the government in 2019 but was stalled for some time for want of feasibility requirements, and resurfaced again this year.
Dilly-dallying for 5 years casts aspersions on its viability and probable sustainability. For this to happen, rivers should be clean enough, devoid of raw sewage which, more often than not, finds its way into them”like a toxic brew. The stench emanating is unbearable, making it very uncomfortable for passengers. This has to be thoroughly inspected and addressed before going ahead with the project implementation.
Flora and fauna along the riverbanks, as well as wildlife and its sanctuaries wherever present, have to be maintained without harming the ecosystem. River fish or amphibian life like snails, clams, crabs, mussels, pearl-producing shellfish, oysters, and small freshwater fish are bound to get affected by the disturbance from water taxis plying to and fro in these Goan rivers.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), a Kerala-based company, is set to conduct a feasibility survey of all potential river depots along the banks, also studying related infrastructure that needs to be developed. KMRL, who has been entrusted with giving a preliminary report to the Centre, should be exclusive and elaborate in its feasibility study with wide-ranging views on river access, availability, and potential tourist numbers visiting the state year-round.
