PANAJI: The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Wednesday assured the House that the State Disaster Management Committee will soon take a decision as regards the removal of the River Princess vessel, grounded off the Candolim coast since past 10 years.

Replying to a Zero Hour mention by the Calangute MLA, Mr Agnel Fernandes as regards fear and apprehension in the minds of the residents of Candolim and Sinquerim about massive beach destruction and sand erosion due to the grounding of the vessel, the Chief Minister said that there is no delay on the part of the government on this issue.

The Calangute MLA also pointed out that the beach had caved in about 15 mts due to River Princess vessel.

The Chief Minister further said that the bids for removal of River Princess have already been opened and scrutinised, and as one of the bidders requested for some time to come out with certain clarification, he was allowed the relaxation. "The SDMC will take decision related to the grounded vessel, at its meeting scheduled tomorrow," he added.

Meanwhile, replying to another Zero Hour mention from the Fatorda MLA, Mr Damodar Naik, the Chief Minister said that he, vide a direction dated June 1, 2010, has already reduced the tariff for the rooms at the newly constructed Goa Sadan, at New Delhi.

"The initially fixed rate for the new Goa Sadan per person per night was `1,500, while it has now been reduced to `1,500 per room per night, which is actually `750 per bed," he added.

"If there is a single occupancy of the room, the tariff is to be charged as per the pro rata basis," the Chief Minister noted.

The Minister for Urban Development, Mr Joaquim Alemao, replying to another Zero Hour mention said that he would examine the case wherein notices have been served to some of the dwellers of Khariwada, Vasco by the Mormugao Municipal Council as regards demolishing their dwelling units.

Earlier, the leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar stated that the Supreme Court had given clear direction about not demolishing houses of residents during the monsoon.

Mr Alemao informed the House that the Mormugao Port Trust had filed a writ petition for removing encroachments on its land at Khariwada, and the High Court had given direction to proceed as per the law. "I will examine the issue," he reiterated.