Officials said closing the jetty for repairs is not an optional decision or a luxury but a matter of safety fo... Read More

PANAJI: The Corporation of the City of Panaji ( CCP ) in conjunction with Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd ( IPSCDL ) will consult local residents and the vendors at the Dona Paula jetty while formulating the plan to renovate the dilapidated Dona Paula jetty.

Officials from several departments deliberated over the closure of the jetty and the roadmap for its closure, when they met at the North Goa collectorate on Wednesday. This is the third meeting within a month to decide on the jetty's fate.

Sources said, IPSCDL officials rejected suggestions to repair the jetty in a phased manner. "The smart city mission will start the work only after the jetty is completely cordoned off and closed down," IPSCDL chief executive officer Swayandipta Pal Chaudhuri said.

At the last meeting, CCP had pointed out that the jetty was a popular tourist spot and had suggested repair work in three phases. The suggestion did not find favour with IPSDCL officials.

Officials from captain of ports, CCP, IPSCDL, police, tourism department and PWD were present for a joint meeting with additional collector for North Goa Vikas Gaunekar.

"This is not an optional decision or a luxury but a matter of safety for vendors, tourists and locals who visit the jetty," Chaudhuri said.

While IPSCDL would focus on repair and reconstruction of the jetty, the decision to close the jetty for repairs had to be taken by the North Goa collector and CCP, he said. "We will have public consultation with the vendors and the residents. The planning part of it (shifting of the vendors) we can assist, but the administrative decision to close down the jetty has to be taken by them," Chaudhuri said.

CCP and North Goa collectorate will have to find a temporary location where the vendors can operate while the jetty is renovated.

The Dona Paula jetty, a popular attraction for tourists, is dilapidated and in need of urgent repairs. IPSCDL and the PWD have prepared a report on the condition of the jetty and have recommended that the jetty be closed for repairs.

IPSCDL plans to redevelop the jetty under the smart city mission with the help of an international firm, which has expertise in designing jetties and marinas.

