Goa’s Cutbona Jetty Clean-up Gains Momentum: 10 Abandoned Boats to be Removed

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In a significant step towards revitalizing the Cutbona jetty, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira announced on Tuesday that four abandoned fishing boats have been successfully removed from the area. The minister, who has been spearheading the clean-up efforts, assured that six more ownerless vessels would be lifted and scrapped within the next three days.

Sequeira convened a follow-up meeting at the South Goa District Collectorate to assess the progress of the clean-up operation. The gathering included officials from various departments, including the Public Works Department (PWD), Fisheries, Captain of Ports, and Goa State Pollution Control Board, as well as members of the Fishing Boat Owners Federation and district collectors.

“We have already removed four out of the 46 abandoned fishing vessels in the last two days,” Sequeira reported. “The government will dispose of an additional six ownerless boats within three days.” He added that GSIDC and PWD officials have been tasked with evaluating the newly constructed jetty to determine if it can be reinforced to accommodate six-wheelers.

The minister emphasized the importance of strict adherence to directives and immediate action at the Cutbona jetty. To ensure the smooth progression of the clean-up efforts, Sequeira plans to visit the site on Wednesday evening for a personal inspection.

During the meeting, a point of contention arose regarding the newly constructed jetty. While it adheres to central government regulations that prohibit vehicles from approaching boats directly for hygiene reasons, the minister expressed frustration with GSIDC officials when they mentioned that strengthening the structure was not feasible. In a moment of exasperation, Sequeira told them, “Keep the jetty as a monument.”

Addressing public health concerns, the minister provided an update on the recent cholera outbreak. “The cholera situation is under control,” Sequeira stated, noting that only six patients are currently admitted to the Goa Medical College (GMC) and one at the South Goa District Hospital.

To improve sanitation at the jetty, Sequeira revealed that a private agency has been contracted to install toilets and bathing cubicles. The agency has been instructed to manage and dispose of wastewater appropriately. Additionally, fishing boat owners will be required to contribute monthly towards the maintenance of these sanitation facilities.

When questioned about the lack of government inspections at the Mobor Jetty, where the cholera outbreak originated, Sequeira refrained from commenting directly. However, he mentioned that Benaulim legislator Venzy Viegas had promised to address the issue.