KOCHI: Even as plans are afoot to exploit Kochi’s waterways or God’s Own Highway, it is time the authorities concerned worked towards improving the existing facilities of boat jetties.All the 50 boat jetties in Kochi are badly in need of a revamp as the majority of them have no roof or toilet and the people have to protect themselves from rain or shine.The place stinks with garbage strewn all over. “Waterways are the best mode of transport in Kochi and all the government needs to do is to invest a little money on the maintenance of the jetties and boats,”the commuters say. The jetties in Ernakulam, Fort Kochi, Mattanchery and Vypeen are better off than their 22 counterparts dotting the route from High Court to Varappuzha or the 14 jetties enroute to Njarakkal. The tiles are broken and hardly cleaned. Bird droppings, spit, dirt and garbage are a common sight. Water hyacinths pose a threat to the engines which makes it difficult for the drivers to manoeuvre. Vehicles parked on either side of the path to the customs boat jetty at Fort Kochi leaves little walking space.The Tourism boat jetty and the nearby jetty to Vypeen and the junkar jetty at Fort Kochi are hardly visible. With dust-filled boards and untidy indoors, they look like old sheds and are in need of maintenance. The jetties look as if they have not been maintained for years. “All the jetties are more than 100 years old and are heritage spots and so are the routes. A boat ride costing Rs 10 will unfold the unseen beauty of the land and allow riders to see traditional fishing methods, canoes and other unique sights. At one time, waterways flourished and they need to be revived,” said K H Sojan, a regular commuter. “The jetties do cast the city in poor light,” said Dinesh who has been using the ferry service for years. “The park boat jetty is yet to be completed and commissioned. It is with the Tourism Department. We will entrust the Irrigation Department with the maintenance of other jetties under the State Water Transport Department (SWTD). Boat repairs are done routinely. There was a pay and park system at the Customs jetty but with the Corporation intervening, we stopped but have moved court. Now, vehicles are being parked illegally,” said Antony Xavier, Superintendent, SWTD.“Unless the title deeds of the jetty are handed over to us, we can’t do anything about the maintenance and security of the jetty,” said J D Maria, Joint Director, Tourism Department.“The Tourism and SWTD should take up the maintenance. If they seek our help, we will do something about it. We have invited a tender for a boat and will be setting up seven boat jetties for the new waterway,” said District Collector Sheik Pareeth.
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