Daijiworld Media Network - Goa (MB)
Panaji, Nov 4: Even as disastrous grounding of a huge ore-carrying ship MV River Princess on Goa's famous Candolim beach in North Goa is entering seventh tourism season, the state government grappling with the hassle to tow it away.
The cargo ship ran aground approximately 200 metres from the famous Candolim-Calangute-Baga stretch of beach in 2000, which is adversely affecting the beauty of this stretch frequented by lakhs of tourists. Gujarat-based Jaisu shipping, which was awarded contract to salvage it before monsoons, have failed to move the carrier.
"The matter is with the tourism department, which is working on modalities to shift it,'' Goa chief minister Digamber Kamat stated on Sunday.
Apparently, the state bureacracy is groping in darkness over what should be the fate of contract given to Jaisu Shipping, who were supposed to move the vessel by April 20, this year. While committee led by state chief secretary J P Singh is favouring extension to the firm, there is opposition to the move within bureacracy and cabinet which has raised strong doubts whether the company which has already consumed much time, will be able to tow it away.
"We have referred the file to chief minister for his advice... The decision will be taken in accordance," tourism minister Fransisco Pacheco stated refusing to talk further on the issue.
Sources confirmed that state law department have ruled against extending contract to Jaisu Shipping. The rumours also flew thick in the state that Governor S C Jamir had summoned Goa chief minister asking him to take appropriate decision as early as possible. The reports mentioned that Governor had asked the CM to extend the contract.
Kamat, however, rubbished the rumours. ``I met Governor on Friday to discuss some other issue and not River Princess,'' the chief minister said.
Interestingly, sources confirmed that Indian Registrar of shipping (IRS) has recommended that the contract be extended. Government sources confirmed that the state government is not (not) in a position to know how much salvage work has been done by the company.
"The matter is with the chief minister,'' state chief secretary J P singh stated. He said that it is for the chief minister to comment on the issue.
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