The Hindu Business Line : River regulatory scheme in Hooghly — Kolkata port seeks `proper' estimates

WIDE variations in the estimates of cost by different dredging companies for implementation of the River Regulatory (RR) scheme in the Hooghly river have forced Kolkata port authorities to refer the scheme back to Chennai-based National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) with the mandate to work out a proper cost estimate and submit it at the earliest.

The RR scheme's scope includes an estimated 16 million cubic metres of capital dredging at Balari bar and construction of about 10-km long submerged dykes in the river at Jellingham, while the cost estimates by various dredging firms varied from a low of Rs 350 crore to as high as Rs 900 crore.

Such wide variations confounded the port authorities, prompting them to obtain a fresh and a realistic estimate from the consultant.

It is over two years now NIOT has been associated with the Kolkata port authorities in the preparation of a revised RR scheme as the earlier scheme submitted by a foreign expert, it was felt, was inadequate in certain respects.

The port authorities have also submitted a model tender document to NIOT for vetting. Stung by the earlier experience when the port authorities could not even open the price bids because of the intransigency of some of the dredging majors, there is now a move to prepare a foolproof document.

KoPT's urgency is understandable. The RR scheme has been hanging in balance for a long time. Meanwhile, the siltation problem at Balari has worsened.

Not without reasons though. The last dredging at Balari was undertaken some 20 years ago. Under RR scheme, there is a proposal to dredge a channel 10-km in length and about one and half a km in width at Balari.

Once the Balari is open, the ship movement between Haldia dock and the Kolkata Dock System will be much easier.

Given a choice, the port authorities would like to see the RR scheme implemented in one dry season, i.e. between October and March.

But then to start the work in October, the work order has to be issued by June/July as the selected contractor will ask for at least two to three months for mobilisation.

To place the work order in June/July, the tender must be floated by January/February as six months will be needed for completing the bidding process.

Prior to the floating of the tender, necessary Government approvals have to be obtained. It is a tardy process.

Alternatively, as it is felt, the port authorities might consider hiring some dredgers and start the work at Balari on its own.