Panaji: A newly constructed concrete structure recently emerged on the ferry landing area at Surla, perched atop the ramp used by vehicles to board and disembark from the ferry. Objecting to the ongoing construction at the ferry ramp, the river navigation department (RND) has written to the Surla panchayat, warning that the work could obstruct vehicular movement and asking it to be stopped immediately.As ferry ramps are critical in facilitating the movement of commuters and vehicles, any construction that compromises access or movement at the landing area could inconvenience daily ferry users and potentially disrupt operations.RND director Vikramsinh Rajebhosale flagged construction on the ferry ramp, stating that it would cause obstruction to vehicular traffic and affect the interests of the local public.“It is observed that the Surla panchayat is carrying out construction on the Surla ferry ramp, which will cause obstruction to vehicular traffic,” the letter stated, requesting the sarpanch and secretary to stop the work.With the department explicitly seeking a halt to the construction, the onus is now on the Surla panchayat to explain why the work was undertaken on the ferry ramp and whether the necessary permissions were obtained.
