Goa's Mandovi River Infrastructure Gets Major Safety Upgrade
The Captain of Ports (CoP) department in Goa has sanctioned a comprehensive Rs 6.6 crore project aimed at revitalizing critical waterfront infrastructure along the Mandovi river. This significant investment focuses on restoring two key jetties and replacing an aging lighthouse to bolster navigational safety and operational efficiency.
Urgent Restoration for Panaji Jetty
The Panaji jetty, which serves as a crucial hub for river cruises and gaming vessel feeder services, requires immediate structural retrofitting. Officials from the Captain of Ports department have highlighted that prolonged exposure to the corrosive marine environment combined with substantial operational loads has compromised the jetty's integrity. Given its status as an active port, authorities have assured that the restoration work will be meticulously planned to minimize disruptions to vessel movements and ensure passenger safety throughout the repair process.
Britona Jetty to Meet International Standards
The second facility slated for enhancement is the Britona jetty, commissioned in 2011 and primarily used for berthing departmental vessels. The government aims to upgrade this jetty to comply with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. This upgrade will include:
- Facilities for handling dry and wet waste
- Systems for managing bilge oil and other ship-generated waste in line with MARPOL regulations
- Enhanced port security measures, including CCTV surveillance and metal detectors
Officials confirmed that these security enhancements will undergo regular audits to maintain compliance and safety standards.
Campal Lighthouse Replacement Initiative
In a parallel development, the department has decided to erect a temporary lighthouse at Campal as the existing structure is dilapidated and beyond repair. The 23-meter-tall concrete lighthouse, situated on the banks of the Mandovi river, has functioned as a navigational beacon for over four decades. Authorities have determined that it must be demolished and rebuilt.
To prevent any disruption to navigation on National Waterway 68 (Mandovi river), a temporary steel light tower will be made fully operational before the old structure is dismantled. This proactive measure ensures continuous navigational safety during the transition period.
Coordinated Efforts for Uninterrupted Operations
Port officials have emphasized that the restoration of both jetties will be carefully coordinated to maintain 24/7 operations, including river cruise passenger movements and feeder boat services. Preliminary assessments have revealed significant deterioration of structural elements due to the lack of major maintenance since their commissioning. The project will involve comprehensive structural strengthening of the concrete piles and jetty decks to address these issues effectively.
This ambitious initiative underscores Goa's commitment to modernizing its maritime infrastructure, enhancing safety protocols, and ensuring sustainable operations along the Mandovi river.
