The move comes under Sagarmala project
Panaji: Moving towards harnessing the potential of the state’s inland waterways, the department of captain of ports has applied for permission to develop seven jetties for passenger traffic.
The jetties identified for development are located at Rassaim, Shiroda, Sanvordem, Pilgaon, Banastarim, Ribandar and Durbhat.
Captain of ports (CoP) Vikas Gaunekar on Monday disclosed that consent to establish permission has been sought from the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) for the seven jetties under the Sagarmala project of the Centre.
“The cost of the project is estimated at `73 crore, which will be funded equally by the Centre and the state. CRZ clearance has already been taken, and work will start after getting the consent from the pollution board,” he said.
The CoP explained that the jetties most likely will not need environment clearance to be functional.
“They are small and existing jetties. It will be used only by boats and cruise vessels. The consent permission is to create basic infrastructure for berthing and disembarking. The jetties will be used solely for passenger transport,” Gaunekar explained.
The CoP added that Goa has wonderful rivers, but the government has not taken advantage of riverine waterways to decongest the roads or promote tourism.
“Kerala has harnessed its rivers very well. The Ganga river cruise is fully booked for the next two years. Goa’s unused jetties need to be deployed for commuting as well as increasing tourist footfalls,” he reckoned.
According to the CoP department, developing the old jetties will help boost employment and thereby the local economy.
The permission for consent to establish is for setting up toilets, waiting rooms, rain shelter, sewage treatment plants wherever required, etc.
The CoP department in its consent application has said that solid waste generated will be in the nature of paper waste, packaging, paper cups, small fraction of leftover of food, and will be disposed of to nearest village panchayat facility.
The pollution board is presently examining the consent permission.
The Sagarmala project is being implemented in all coastal states to exploit the full potential of waterways and promote port-led development.
The purpose is also to reduce logistics costs. The project is expected to boost India’s merchandise exports to $110 billion by 2025, and bring in estimated 10 million new jobs.
The implementation of the Sagarmala project in the state has been delayed by that fears that the riverrine waterways will be used to transport coal.
According to the state government, the Mandovi river lacks draft and jetties along the river can only be used for passenger traffic.