In a decisive move to prevent future accidents, the River Navigation Department (RND) will station a permanent security guard at the Panaji ferry ramp. This action comes directly after an incident where a parked car was completely submerged by the rising tide.
What Triggered the Security Upgrade?
The need for heightened security became urgent following a recent event at the Panaji ferry point. During low tide, a vehicle was parked on the ramp. However, as the high tide rolled in, the unattended car was engulfed by water, leading to significant damage. This incident highlighted a critical gap in surveillance and management at the popular jetty.
Official Announcement and Plan of Action
RND Director Vikramsinh Rajebhosale confirmed the new security measures. He identified the typical culprits behind such risky parking. "These are usually vehicles parked by electricity department’s staff, whose office is opposite the Panaji jetty, and by tourists driving rental vehicles," Rajebhosale explained.
He pointed out the root of the problem: the jetty currently has no security personnel to deter people from leaving their vehicles overnight. "Taking advantage of this, these people park their vehicles at the jetty at night," he added. To solve this, the department has a clear plan. Within one month, a permanent security guard will be employed through a reputed agency to man the site around the clock.
Looking Ahead: Safer Ferry Operations
The deployment of a dedicated guard is expected to bring much-needed order to the Panaji ferry ramp. It will prevent unauthorized parking, especially during vulnerable tidal windows, ensuring the safety of property and the smooth operation of river navigation. This proactive step by the RND aims to safeguard against similar costly and dangerous occurrences in the future, making the ferry point secure for commuters and tourists alike.
