The River Navigation Department (RND) in Goa is advancing with a significant project to reconstruct and lengthen a historic concrete jetty from the Portuguese colonial period. This structure is situated directly in front of the old secretariat building in the state capital, Panaji.
Project Details and Environmental Hurdle
However, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) has put a crucial condition before granting final approval. The authority has instructed the RND to carry out a rapid environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the proposed work. This directive came after the RND formally approached the GCZMA seeking project clearance on October 30.
According to official documents, the existing jetty stretches 80 metres into the Mandovi river, extending approximately 9.2 metres from the bank. It occupies a prime waterfront location and is currently leased to two offshore casino operators, Deltin and Pride Group. This arrangement generates a substantial monthly revenue of Rs 25 lakh for the RND.
Official Rationale and Site Inspection Findings
RND Director Vikramsinh Rajebhosale explained the department's motivation. He stated that the jetty, built in the pre-liberation era, requires essential repairs and extension. "These repairs and extension are essential for keeping standby rescue vehicles for emergencies," Rajebhosale said. He cited the poor condition of the department's Betim ferry and a recent partial collapse of the Betim jetty as reasons underscoring the need for a new facility.
The site, which once hosted the RND office itself, lies within one of Goa's important colonial-era zones. A GCZMA inspection conducted on November 21 revealed the presence of mangrove vegetation along the edges of the area marked for extension. The inspection also confirmed that the entire project site falls under the CRZ-IVB classification as per the state's Coastal Zone Management Plan of 2011.
The Path Forward and Potential Benefits
While the initial proposal aligns with Coastal Zone Management Plan guidelines, the GCZMA's requirement for a rapid EIA is a critical next step. This assessment will meticulously evaluate the potential impact on water and sediment quality, as well as the local flora and fauna during the construction phase. It will also analyze riverbank stability, jetty safety, and risks of erosion or accretion.
Director Rajebhosale highlighted the dual benefits of the project, noting that the jetty extension would also aid in revenue generation for the department. He emphasized that the immediate priority is the first phase, which focuses solely on extending the existing structure. The successful completion of the EIA and subsequent clearance from the GCZMA will determine the timeline for this revitalization of a piece of Goa's waterfront history.
