Team Goemkarponn
BETUL: The controversy over the temporary pontoon installed off the Betul coast for India Energy Week intensified on Tuesday, with Quepem MLA Altone D’Costa accusing ONGC and the BJP-led government of sidelining local representatives and the village panchayat during the project.
Speaking after a joint inspection of the site, D’Costa said the Betul panchayat was never consulted before the temporary floating jetty was installed and criticised the government’s handling of the issue.
“The Betul coast belongs to the people of Goa. The panchayat was kept in the dark while the temporary pontoon was being constructed. But after it drifted away, the blame was shifted to the MLA and the panchayat,” he said.
The MLA also questioned why the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) was allowed to exercise jurisdiction over the Betul coastline, alleging that the State government failed to protect Goa’s interests.
His remarks came after senior officials of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) clarified that the temporary pontoon drifted into the sea while it was being dismantled for reuse during adverse cyclonic conditions.
ONGC Executive Director Sanket Gupta said the floating structure, built at an estimated cost of ₹10 crore, is insured and that the corporation has already filed an insurance claim.
Gupta said the pontoon had been installed only as a temporary arrangement to ferry delegates staying at nearby hotels to the India Energy Week venue, reducing traffic congestion on the roads.
According to him, a hydraulic failure occurred while the pontoon was being lifted amid rough weather, causing it to drift into the sea.
He said ONGC immediately engaged professional salvagers and the pontoon would be recovered once sea conditions become favourable.
Responding to concerns raised by local fishermen, Gupta assured that the structure had not entered the navigation channel at the mouth of the River Sal and would not disrupt fishing vessel movement.
He further maintained that ONGC had secured all mandatory permissions before executing the project, including approvals from the Mormugao Port Authority, the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, the Captain of Ports and other competent authorities. Gupta claimed copies of these approvals had also been forwarded to the Betul panchayat.
However, members of the Betul panchayat disputed the claim, stating that no such documents had been received by the local body.
Meanwhile, Ports Minister Digambar Kamat announced that the Captain of Ports has identified a suitable location for a proposed permanent floating jetty at Betul following representations from the local fishing community.
“The inspection has been completed and an appropriate site has been identified. The proposal will now move to the next stage,” Kamat said.
He also said the Public Works Department is prepared to construct a training wall at the mouth of the River Sal to improve navigation if the State government entrusts the department with the project.
At present, no formal proposal has been placed before the PWD, but Kamat said the department would seriously consider executing the work if directed by the government.
