Frequent breakdowns of RoRo ferries not unusual: Phal Dessai

Panaji: River navigation minister Subhash Phal Dessai on Tuesday said frequent breakdowns of RoRo ferries are not a new issue and are often caused by debris, such as discarded nets and wood, which get stuck to vessels’ propellers.“While plying for 18 hours a day, such incidents are likely to happen in such a high-velocity vessel. The current generated is so high that a lot of debris gets entangled in the propeller,” Phal Dessai said.He said, “All we need to do is take it off the route and repair it. During breakdowns of conventional ferries too, we would take them off the route and clean the debris.” He emphasised that regular debris removal would help reduce such incidents but clarified that the river navigation department (RND) is not responsible, and other departments concerned will handle the matter.“This is a continuous process (of cleaning). As and when the nets are torn away, they flow with the river. Once we remove them, the incidents (of breakdown) will be fewer,” Phal Dessai said. “However, we need to look at whether we are permitted to clean the river. The departments concerned will look into these environmentally sensitive areas.”One of the two RoRo ferries operating on the Chorao-Ribandar route broke down on Tuesday evening due to damage to its propeller, leaving commuters stranded. The vessel stopped at 5pm and was hauled away for repairs._______________________________Kunbi village to open in 6 months, says minPanaji: Archives and archaeology minister Subhash Phal Dessai has announced that the Kunbi Handicraft Village will be inaugurated within six months. “Nearly 80% of the infrastructural work has been completed, only 20% is still ongoing,” he said. “We will come up with a model very soon.”The project aims to promote traditional Kunbi crafts and support local artisans through dedicated infrastructure and exhibition space. TNN