Team Herald
MARGAO: The fishing community of Benaulim and neighbouring areas has renewed its appeal to the government to repurpose a large tract of land in Benaulim, which was previously used as a prawn hatchery by the Fisheries Department, for fishing-related activities. They argue that utilising this land could significantly benefit the community and bolster local fisheries.
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On Friday, a group of fishermen met with Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira to seek his support and urged the Minister to address their grievances.
Speaking to reporters, fishing community leader Pele Fernandes announced that they plan to submit a memorandum outlining their concerns to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
The land in question, approximately 50,000 sq metres, was once used as a prawn hatchery but has since been abandoned. The community has urged the government to allocate this land for fishing-related activities, as they currently face a shortage of space, even for storing their fishing nets.
“We are worried that the land might be handed over to builders or outsiders, as there are reports that the government is considering leasing it out,” Fernandes stated.
He further explained that the community is struggling with a lack of space for storing their boats and nets, as well as for drying fish. Local MLA Venzy Viegas had previously submitted a detailed plan to the government to utilise the land for fishing activities, but the response has been lacking. According to Fernandes, the Chief Minister had previously assured the community that their demands regarding the land would be addressed.
Fernandes also expressed concern over unknown individuals visiting the land, raising fears about its potential future use. He emphasised that transferring the land to the fishing community would resolve several of their challenges and greatly benefit their operations.
