-- Samir Umarye
BICHOLIM, APRIL 30 - Expressing displeasure over the Government's apathy in solving the ferry problem, commuters of Sarmanas-Tonk ferry have demanded the shifting of the ferry wharf for smooth and interrupted ferry service. Yogendra Narvekar informed Herald, that a memorandum signed by 150 commuters has been submitted to the Minister for River Navigation Sudin Dhavlikar. In a memorandum, commuters from Marcel, Sarmanas, Bicholim and other areas have demanded immediate solving of the long pending problem at the jetty. "The Sarmanas-Tonk ferry is the only shortest route between Bicholim and Ponda for most people from the mining companies, government offices, industrial estates and students of schools and colleges from Bicholim and Marcel and as such is a busiest route," informed Mr Narvekar. The route along the Tonk side is narrow and rocky, making it inconvenient for ferries to cross during the low tide. The locals highlighted the problem several times and the desilting work was carried out, but it did not solve the problem. Due to the problem, the commuters face difficulty, as the ferry remains anchored for more than two hours during the low tide. "At times, due to some technical faults only one ferry operates which worsens the situation and also puts extra burden on the vessel," said Mr Narvekar. The memorandum has asked the Government to remove the rocks submerged near the Tonk for the smooth functioning of the ferry during the low tide on priority basis. Other demands like deployment of extra ferry for meeting the emergencies and to shift the wharf to new location at Tonk where the problem of low tide would not exist are also made. A copy of the memorandum has been also sent to Chief Minister Digambar Kamat.