As a part of the Central government’s nationalisation of rivers project, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is spearheading a series of developmental works in Goa. These projects, which include dredging, navigation, and berthing facilities, have been meticulously planned and proposed by the state, the legislative assembly has been informed.
State Ports Minister Aleixo Sequeira revealed on Friday that various initiatives, including jetties and communication systems, are being undertaken under this scheme. Initially baulked at by the state, concerns over central interference were allayed by the National Waterways Act 2016, which brought six Goan rivers into national jurisdiction.
Sequeira stated that the IWAI’s comprehensive developmental works, fully funded by the Centre, have already seen the construction of four community floating jetties at Rs 9.6 crore, with ten more sanctioned. A river information system featuring radar and CCTV surveillance is also in the pipeline to bolster transport and tourism.