VASCO, SEPT 24
The fishing community and boat/watersport operators have reacted sharply to moves by the Navy to acquire two prime islands, Pequeno and Grande, off the Arabian Sea.
Besides fearing that the acquisition would rob them of their livelihood in the area, they also suspect that the Navy would ignore their interests if it manages to acquire the islands.
Significantly, the Chicolna-Bogmalo panchayat is also opposed to such takeover moves of the Navy.
Though government authorities are reluctant to comment on the acquisition, local politicians, councilors and the entire fishing community at Baina were unaware about moves to acquire the two islands.
The two islands are most popular islands among the fishing community, as they call it ‘Dargao’ to Pequeno Island and ‘Mutt’ to Grande Island.
It may be recalled that the St George Island consists of three islands, Pequeno and two Grande Islands. While Pequeno and Grande Islands are owned by the private parties and the State government, the third island, Grande, is under the control of defence ministry.
Incidentally, the navy has prohibited picnic or leisure activities on the small Grande Island, which is a defence area, after the 26/11 terror attack.
The small Grande Island has a lighthouse, helipad and rooms for guards. The Catholic and Hindu fishing communities are allowed to visit the island once during the ‘Tulshi Vivah’ festival.
When a section of media reported about Navy’s plan to acquire the two islands at St George Island, the fishing community was astonished and water sport operators were taken aback over the Navy’s proposal.
The fishing community and water sports operators believe that the government should not hand over the islands, which are important in terms of leisure and fishing activities, as once the two islands are acquired by the Navy; it would snatch their liberty for fishing and leisure activities.
Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owner’s Society President Sajit Shaikh said he was unaware about any such plans of Navy. He said they came to know about the acquisition after reading about it in media.
“If it’s true, then what is the guarantee that Navy would allow fishermen to carry out their fishing activities alongside the islands, as most of the fishing activities of canoes and other small boats are restricted close to these islands,” said Shaikh.
“It will be a similar fate like the fishermen from Karwar, who vacated their place for the Sea Bird defence project and virtually got nothing in return,” said Shaikh.
“Since this matter is new to us, we will consult our leader, Matanhy Saldanha, who is presently in Chennai,” added Shaikh.
Prominent fisherman and president of Destero Fisherman Association Anthony Monteiro said he was unaware about moves by the Navy.
“If it is true, we will convey a meeting of fishermen associated with the islands,” added Monteiro.
A fisherman from Baina, Shanker Tandel, said the islands are important during the rough weather conditions and cyclone-like situation as fishermen use these islands as berthing facilities till rough weather gets subsided.
“Earlier, the Indian Coast Guard had rescued six fishermen, who took shelter at Grande Island due to rough weather conditions, and were airlifted later,” he said.
Similar resentment and insecurity is brewing at Bogmalo.
Chicolna-Bogmalo Sarpanch Urbano Rodrigues voiced his opposition saying that they won’t have any freedom once it is acquired by the Navy.
“Boat owners and water sport operators, who take hotel guests and foreign tourists to the island, are earning their livelihood from it,” said Rodrigues.
“We don’t want to take chance, as once the island is acquired by the Navy, what is the guarantee that fishermen, boat and water sports operators interests is looked after,” asked Rodrigues.
“In the next meeting of the panchayat, we will take a decision to oppose it and subsequently the matter will be placed before the gram sabha and make representation to local MLA Mauvin Godinho and the State government,” he added.
