VOTING DAY ON A GOAN ISLAND OF 152 — TWO FERRY RIDES, A DECKED UP POLLING BOOTH AND CRAB FOR FIRST-TIMERS

The island, known earlier as ‘Capao’ by the Portuguese, comes under Sao Matias panchayat in North Goa’s Cumbarjua constituency and has 152 voters. (Express Photo)

On Tuesday afternoon, Vaman Usgaonkar (42) took a ferry from Old Goa to Divar island, drove four kilometres on his scooter, and boarded another ferry to reach Vanxim island.

En route, he pointed to a cross on a rock in the middle of the river. “Decades ago, a doctor was on his way to visit a patient in Vanxim when his canoe capsized here. The villagers constructed a cross to commemorate his memory,” he said.

Vanxim, one of the smallest inland islands on the Mandovi river, is not connected to the mainland with a bridge and is accessible only through a state-run ferry, which carries passengers and vehicles. The island, known earlier as ‘Capao’ by the Portuguese, comes under Sao Matias panchayat in North Goa’s Cumbarjua constituency and has 152 voters.

With no hospital, pharmacy or even a departmental store, and daily provisions requiring a ferry to the neighbouring island, a bridge and a healthcentre centre were the main demands among a majority of 113 voters who turned up at the polling station. (Express Photo)

Four days ago, officials of the Election Commission – in what officials called a “unique” initiative – set up a polling station at the island’s only government primary school for its sparse population. To encourage voters, booth officers offered some incentives – soft drinks to beat the heat and crab for first-time voters. A canoe, used for transportation before ferries took over, was also put up symbolically outside the polling booth.

Prasad Naik, the presiding officer, said, “The population here is quite low. Since there is no direct access via road, a polling booth has been set up here.”

Sarita D’eMello, the booth-level officer, said, “We gave a crab to people voting for the first time.”

Paddy cultivation and fishing were major sources of livelihood for residents of the island, which has several water bodies and mangroves. However, excessive mining led to a reduction in fish breeding. Due to frequently breaking bundhs, the people have moved away from farming and many families, led by the youth, have moved to other cities or migrated abroad for employment.

“The nearest hospital is in Old Goa, for which we have to board two ferries. In case of a snakebite, it is impossible to save a person,” said Akshay Amrut Volvoiker, a 26-year-old engineer.

The nearest health centre is at the neighbouring Divar island, where one doctor is deputed till 4.30 pm and a mobile ambulance is on standby round-the-clock. The ferry service runs from 6 am till midnight. A special ferry remains anchored for contingencies after midnight, and charges a fee of Rs 100.

Akansha Bhonsle, 21, is pursuing a hotel management course and takes two ferries daily to reach Porvorim, near the state’s capital.

“Often the ferry breaks down. In winters, when there is fog, there have been instances where students have missed their exams. If a connecting bridge is built, our lives would be easier,” she said.

The issue of a connecting bridge, however, remains contentious, with some arguing that the “identity” of the island would be lost and its peace disturbed. “In the name of development and tourism, land sharks and real estate lobbies will grab land… not just here but on neighbouring islands, which will bring in hordes of people and impact the island’s ecology. We have to protect our identity” said Olfi D'Costa.

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2024-05-08T03:34:45Z dg43tfdfdgfd