Old Dona Paula jetty expected to be fully restored in next 2-3 years

Panaji: The old jetty at Dona Paula, which was closed for tourists and all other visitors due to safety concerns as well as its structural integrity, is expected to be fully restored in two to three years.

While the redeveloped and renewed jetty premises are open for tourists, the old jetty remains accessible only to locals and fishermen.Officials stated that the old bridge would be up for restoration soon. The crashing waves at the jetty caused severe structural problems. The jetty’s manager, Mayur Tirodkar, said that the jetty is unsafe and unstable for tourists, and hence the area is kept restricted. “The old jetty has been wearing away because of the moisture and the structure’s inability to withstand the waters.

It is our responsibility to look after the safety of the tourists, and keeping them away from a dangerous structure like this is the right thing to do,” said Tirodkar.He also said that Goa govt appointed a private contractor to renovate the space and ensure safety in the jetty infrastructure. The Dona Paula jetty was reopened two years ago after it was closed in 2018. A structural analysis by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd revealed the old jetty space to be unsafe.

Tirodkar said that while most of the work is complete, the final touches of the jetty are not yet finished. “The jetty walls facing the sea often get impacted, losing their paint.

We also began painting the railings in May, but due to the early monsoon, we had to stall the painting to avoid corrosion,” he said.He added that the remaining restoration of the old bridge and the painting of the railings and the jetty walls will begin post-monsoon. “Whatever we do this season will get washed away. So it won’t be of any use,” said Tirodkar.