Team Herald
MARGAO: The traditional fishermen have complained of undergoing hardship due to the movement of a cruise boat in River Sal and claimed that the same has been anchored at Cavelossim ferry ramp.
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The fishermen of the area accused the concerned department of giving permission, despite objections.
Speaking to Herald Agostinho Furtado, president of Assolna-Velim- Chinchinim-Betul Traditional Fishermen Association alleged that the concerned department and the government have obstructed their traditional fishing activities.
He said his Association in a letter to the Minister for Ports had urged to take necessary actions against the movement of the cruise boat in River Sal which is now anchored at Cavelossim ferry ramp.
“At the meeting on January 4, 2021, in the presence of Fisheries Minister, and all the coastal sarpanchas and Biodiversity chairmen, the concerned minister had promised us that they will never allow tourist boats and offshore casinos in the River Sal but we were shocked to notice the cruise boat on May 1 and that too without the name and registration number”, Agostinho claimed.
He said they immediately contacted the coastal police at Betul and fisheries officers at Cutbona but in vain.
“Later, we contacted the Fisheries Minister. At the meeting in Panjim the concerned authority was directed to inspect the site and report. Now, four months have passed and no action has been taken”, he said.
According to the fishermen from the areas, the movement of this cruise boat has destroyed their nets thus affecting their catch.
“We are traditional fishermen and our livelihood is fully dependent on the fish caught using traditional fishing methods. Many of us have already suffered losses due to the movement of cruise boat in River Sal”, complained another fisherman.
The fishing community had demanded that the movement of the cruise boat be stopped immediately.
“We don’t understand why the government is engaged in destroying our traditional fishing occupation instead of supporting it. The government needs to accord priority to the issues pertaining to locals and not outsiders”, said Agostinho.
