Maha CM gives in-principle nod for Water Transport Corporation

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today gave in-principle approval for setting up a Water Transport Corporation to develop jetties on the coastline which are not in good shape and decided that other jetties can be used for promoting tourism.
The move came amid criticism by Congress and NCP that formation of such body is not needed as the government already has other means at its disposal.
"There are more than 400 jetties on the state coastline. The CM has decided that those in good shape can be used to transport people, for cruise shipping, water sports and Ro-Ro services. Such jetties can also be given to the industrialists for their purposes," an official at the Chief Minister's Office said.

"Fadnavis has also given an in-principle approval for the formation of a Water Transport Corporation, which will develop jetties that are not in a good shape," he said.
During his meeting with officials of the Maharashtra Maritime board, the Chief Minister has decided that a clean and renewable energy programme will be started in coastal regions and at ports where tidal, solar and wind energy will be used for different purposes, the official said.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Al-Nasser Zakaria alleged, "BJP is playing a dirty game here. There is a Port department and a Maritime Board as well. Are they not capable enough to develop jetties and improve tourism? All this is done to appoint their men and mop up funds."

"BJP is developing an SPV (special purpose vehicle) for every other purpose. They should rather focus on solving development issues which can be done even without an SPV," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said.
"There is already a Maritime Board of which an IAS officer is the chairman. He can be given the power to do so. Opening a new window only shows that it is being done to serve their own interest," Malik added.