The Captain of Ports (CoP) department in Goa has officially sanctioned a significant infrastructure project worth Rs 6.6 crore aimed at revitalising key maritime assets along the Mandovi river. This comprehensive initiative focuses on the restoration and modernisation of two crucial jetties, alongside the replacement of the decades-old Campal lighthouse, to bolster navigational safety and operational efficiency in the region.
Urgent Structural Retrofitting for Panaji Jetty
The Panaji jetty, a pivotal hub for river cruises and gaming vessel feeder services, is slated for urgent structural retrofitting. Officials from the Captain of Ports department have highlighted that years of exposure to the corrosive marine environment and heavy operational loads have necessitated the strengthening of its waterfront infrastructure. Given that the Panaji jetty remains an active port, authorities have assured that meticulous care will be taken to minimise disruption to vessel movements and ensure passenger safety throughout the repair process.
Britona Jetty Upgrades to Meet International Standards
The second jetty earmarked for repairs is the Britona jetty, which also falls under the jurisdiction of the Captain of Ports department. Commissioned in 2011, this jetty is primarily utilised for berthing departmental vessels. The government aims to upgrade it to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code norms. This upgrade will include:
- Facilities for handling dry and wet waste
- Systems for managing bilge oil and other ship-generated waste in alignment with marine pollution (MARPOL) regulations
- Enhanced port security measures, such as CCTV surveillance and metal detectors
Officials have confirmed that these security enhancements will be thoroughly audited to ensure robust protection.
Campal Lighthouse Replacement to Prevent Navigational Blackout
In a parallel development, the department has decided to erect a temporary lighthouse at Campal, as the existing structure is dilapidated and requires demolition. The 23-metre-tall concrete lighthouse, situated on the bank of the Mandovi river, has served as a vital navigational beacon for over four decades. However, authorities have concluded that it is beyond repair and must be rebuilt from the ground up.
To prevent a blackout period on National Waterway 68 (Mandovi river), a temporary steel light tower will be fully operational before the demolition of the old structure, stated a department official. This proactive measure ensures uninterrupted navigational aid for vessels traversing the waterway.
Coordinated Efforts for Seamless Operations
Port officials have emphasised that the restoration of the two jetties will be meticulously coordinated to maintain 24/7 operations. This includes safeguarding river cruise passenger movements and feeder boat services, which are integral to the local tourism and transportation sectors. The Rs 6.6 crore investment underscores the government's commitment to modernising Goa's maritime infrastructure, enhancing safety protocols, and supporting economic activities along the Mandovi river.
