GSIDC Develops India’s First hybrid jetty at Old Goa

OLD GOA:
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has undertaken the demolition of the existing old jetty and has constructed the modern, one-of- its-kind Captain of Ports (COP) at Old Goa and is now geared up to bring the project on line.The project is marked as India’s first hybrid jetty (a jetty which is a mix of certain floating components and fixed components) with concrete floating pontoons (a floating structure that serves as a dock)
that form the floating part and the ‘Dolphins’ that form the fixed and restraining structure.
This project is funded by the state and is worth an estimated cost of Rs 16 crore. Explaining the need and significance of the project, GSIDC Chairman, Dr. Pramod Sawant said, “The old COP jetty was in a dilapidated co
ndition and was non-functional. Keeping in mind the archaeological significance of the place, construction of an environmentally friendly jetty to cater to diverse requirements was a challenge, which my team did successfully.”
The new jetty will be of great benefit, especially as it will allow pilgrims and tourists to travel by boat, thus reducing congestion on the road to St Francis Xavier Church, and enhancing water transportation in the state.
The project constituted the construction of three major components, a T-shaped fixed piled concrete jetty (a pile is a column of concrete driven into the ground to provide support for top structure), two concrete floating pontoons and three permanent piled concrete berthing dolphins.
Dilip Joshi, GSIDC Manager in charge of the project said “Besides being modern, the jetty had to be in compliance with MARPOL regulations to which India is a signatory. We worked on several designs and scenarios before zeroing on this unique jetty design.”
The design of COP, Old Goa is such that the T-shaped fixed piled concrete jetty provides access to the two concrete floating pontoons and which are in turn connected to three permanent piled concrete berthing dolphins.Two, three-meter- wide aluminium-built gangways, equidistant from the central Dolphin, provide access to the concrete pontoons.
Regarding the project’s impact on the environment, representative of Kashec Engineers Pvt Ltd said, “This jetty is eco-friendly as the water waste of ships shall be collected in bilge and sewage tanks respectively and will be disposed of from there without polluting the river”. The jetty is CRZ compliant as it has reduced piles due to the concrete floating pontoons also does not have cross braces (CRZ regulations do not allow cross braces as these affect the flow of water) so this will ensure that the flow of the river is not disrupted, thus protecting the habitat
of marine life. The jetty also has firefighting, shore power and water facilities for vessels besides providing for reception of bilge and sewage. The edge of the jetty is illuminated to provide a reference to vessels for docking. The recessed lights in the gangway provide pathway safety lights. The main power is backed by both an emergency generator and inverter.
The concrete pontoons provide a fixed freeboard so passengers, especially the differently abled ones, can embark and disembark without assistance, ensuring safety to tourists, especially the aged.
Keeping in mind the Prime Minister’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, GSIDC ensured that local manufacturers were involved in the making of the components of the jetty. The concrete jetty was built in a dry dock in Shiroda and the critical components, like the yokes to restraint the pontoon, were made in Verna. This unique project has enhanced the skill of the local entrepreneurs and will ensure new busines
s opportunities are directed towards Goa when
othersimiliar hi- tech projects are envisaged in India.