Ferry Incident at Chorao Exposes Government’s Sheer Negligence: Chirag Naik
MARGAO: The recent incident of a ferry boat sinking at Chorao is not just an accident — it is a chilling reminder of this government’s utter negligence and disregard for public safety, said Margao Congress leader Chirag Naik, as he slammed the ruling dispensation for risking lives due to poor maintenance and zero accountability.
“This is not a one-off case. The condition of Goa’s ferry services has been deteriorating for years, and the BJP government has done absolutely nothing to upgrade or maintain them. The Chorao incident could have easily turned fatal — and tomorrow, it could be Rachol, Cortalim, or Agassaim. Is the government waiting for a tragedy to wake up?” Naik questioned.
Naik who participated in the Congress protest against the River Navigation Department for its negligence at the Betim jetty in Panjim, offered a glimpse of the situation at the Betim ferry jetty and pointed out that there are more than 14-15 ferry boats that are lying inoperational and are not in a fit condition and deserve to be scrapped.
The Margao-based leader said that basic maintenance, routine checks, and proper training of staff are non-negotiable when it comes to ferry operations, which serve as a crucial mode of transport for hundreds of Goans every day.
“What we are witnessing is criminal neglect. The government has crores to waste on event management and PR, but can’t spare funds for the safety of its own people. They are risking lives to cut corners,” he added.
Naik demanded that the River Navigation Department immediately release a public audit report on the condition of all operational ferries across Goa. He further called for independent inspections and compensation mechanisms for passengers impacted by ferry-related mishaps.
“Goa deserves better. People in Salcete and across Goa are fed up with a government that wakes up only after damage is done. This is not just bad governance — it is dangerous governance,” Naik concluded.
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