Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 2: The Goa Forward Party (GFP) has come out strongly against the Rs 310 cr capital dredging proposal for the Mandovi and Zuari rivers, and Cumbharjua canal, alleging it is a covert attempt to facilitate coal transportation under the guise of infrastructure development.

At a party executive meeting held on Sunday under the leadership of GFP chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, a resolution was passed demanding immediate cancellation of the project.

Sardesai termed the initiative ‘anti-Goan’ and alleged that it was a part of the Centre’s larger Sagarmala plan focused on promoting coal and iron ore transport, rather than benefiting Goans.

The Inland Waterways Authority of India has already cleared the detailed project report (DPR), which involves dredging nearly 6.5 million cubic metres of material to create a 67.5-metre-wide, 4-metre-deep navigation channel, enabling 3,000-tonne barges to operate.

“This plan lacks any provision for passenger transport and is designed solely for multi-commodity mainly coal movement. It must be scrapped,” Sardesai asserted.

According to the DPR, dredging the Zuari river and Cumbharjua canal will cost Rs 106 cr each, and the Mandovi river Rs 48.5 cr. Additional expenses will go towards setting up a vehicle tracking system and loading-unloading facilities.

Sardesai warned that the project could severely affect traditional fishing communities and damage the barge industry. “Our rivers are lifelines for thousands of Goans. This project threatens their livelihood and heritage,” he said.