Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: The Goa Government has instructed the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) to take immediate measures to remove obstacles affecting navigation at the Cutbona-Betul estuary after local fishermen raised concerns over difficulties in accessing the sea.
The direction was issued during a review meeting convened by Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar with officials from the Fisheries Department, the Captain of Ports, ONGC and representatives of the fishing community.
During the meeting, fishermen highlighted that obstructions in the estuary had made it difficult for boats to move safely, particularly during low tide, impacting daily fishing operations and posing risks to navigation.
After reviewing the situation, the government asked ONGC to clear the identified hazards at the earliest and ensure that the waterway remains safe and navigable for fishing vessels and other river traffic.
The minister also stressed the importance of coordinated action between all concerned agencies to protect the interests of the fishing community while maintaining industrial activities in the region without affecting navigation.
Officials said the government will keep a close watch on the progress of the work and take further action, if necessary, to ensure uninterrupted and safe movement of vessels through the Cutbona-Betul river mouth.
