PANJIM, JULY 15
While nationalisation of inland water ways will prove boon to the mining industry as it has been frequently used by iron ore barges to transport minerals, there is a possibility that it might hurt interest of traditional fishermen who uses riverbanks for fishing.
The State government has accepted in principle the proposal of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to nationalise inland water ways of the State which was initiated earlier this year.
Minister for River Navigation Sudin Dhavalikar, however, pointed out that though they have agreed to the proposal in principle, final decision would be taken after considering all pros and con.
Currently, it is being vetted by the Law department and Cabinet will take final decision, thereafter.
Nationalisation of inland waterways will bring in huge investment in terms of desilting of rivers, building jetties and will boost mineral industry. However interest of certain segments like fishermen who fish along river banks by installing sticks (harry) attached with nets to catch fish is likely to jeopardise. This is a common practice of fishing followed along river banks in the State.
Dhavalikar said the government is aware of the problem and they will see that interest of fishermen is protected. However, ex-MLA Mathany Saldanha who is known to fight for the rights of traditional fishermen, said the State government is incapable of protecting interest of people of Goa. It blindly follow the Central government thanks to its colonial phobia.
He said, nationalisation means State giving away its wealth and demanded that the government should make public the report on nationalisation of inland water ways.
No doubt nationalisation of inland water ways will bring in certain level of infrastructural development but the government should thoroughly examine all the stakes before going ahead with the proposal, pointed out a senior official from River Navigation department on the condition of anonymity.
“We have to thoroughly examine if we really need to go for nationalisation of our inland water ways,” he said. About 1000 odd barges besides shipping trawlers and passenger ferry boats uses inland water ways on a daily basis in the State.
Goa will be fifth State in the country if it accepts proposal of the NHAI.
