Govt to probe illegal yacht use of Panaji floating jetty

Panaji: River navigation minister Subhash Phal Desai said govt suspects some yacht operators may be using the floating jetty at Panaji without paying the prescribed fees, and assured that the system would be streamlined to ensure proper revenue collection.“We did not hire these yachts, but we built the jetty to facilitate the tourism industry. Situations may occur where people freely use the space and charge for it (yacht rides). I will enquire whether private yachts are operating on our jetty and charging for it. We will see to it that we protect our property by employing security,” he said. He, however, showed an interest in having these facilities. “We can float a tender and hire such services so that govt can get revenue,” Phal Desai said.He also clarified that the Panaji ferry ramp area is not designated for parking and said steps would be taken to stop illegal parking by casino vehicles.“Time and again, we alerted the traffic police about rental vehicles parking there despite designating it as a ‘no parking’ area. They are obstructing vehicular transport on the jetty. However, we cannot physically move these vehicles, nor do we have the authority to challan them,” he said.He further added that steps will be taken to ensure that the space is not misused.