Operation removal of vessel 'River Princess' to begin in October

Panaji, July 23 (UNI) An operation to remove the vessel 'River Princess' aground off Candolim-Sinquerim beach in North Goa is likely to begin in October this year.

''The government opens financial bids tomorrow and shortlists the agency that undertakes the job. It has already shortlisted two of the three companies that bid the tenders,'' said chief secretary J P Singh.

The entire operation would, however, be completed by March next year, he emphatically stated. Earlier, efforts to remove the vessel, by both the erstwhile BJP government and the present Congress-led government has failed so far.

It might be recalled the e nvironmentalists had been expressing their concern over the vessel that had been aground for over the last five years at the serene beach overlooking the magnificient Fort Aguada.

Though government maintained that the vessel would not cause environmental damage, tourists witnessed soil erosion of the beach much faster.

Thousands of tourists, including foreigners, throng the beach to enjoy nature, while others relish the breath-taking scenes from the fortification walls as the waves batter them in rhythm.

A five-star resort was built over a part of the fort by the Taj Group of hotels, one of the most favourite joints of the foreigners and top personalities alike.

UNI BM KU KR VC1130