With the an nual fishing season set to resume on August 1 after the 61-day monsoon fish ing ban, an inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty has brought to light sever al safety and infrastructure issues that require immedi ate attention before fishing vessels return to sea. The inspection focused on the preparedness of the jetty and the need to ensure safe navigation, adequate basic amenities and smooth functioning of fishing-relat ed activities as hundreds of fishermen prepare to re sume operations. The inspection was car ried out by Velim MLA Cruz Silva, who reviewed the condition of the jetty and interacted with officials re garding the arrangements being made ahead of the reopening of the fishing season. He stressed that all deficiencies should be addressed without delay to safeguard the interests of the fishing community. One of the major con cerns raised during the inspection was the un safe condition of the river mouth leading to the fish ing harbour.
Silva said the existing situation poses a serious navigation risk to trawlers and fishing boats entering and leaving the jetty. He urged the Fisheries Department to undertake immediate measures to remove obstructions and ensure that the navigation channel is safe before fish ing activities commence. The MLA also highlighted the poor state of sanitation facilities at the jetty. He said the existing toilet blocks require urgent repairs and proper maintenance, add ing that fishermen, labour ers and others working at the harbour should have access to clean and hygienic basic amenities. According to him, improving sanita tion is essential, particular ly during the peak fishing season when the jetty wit ness’s heavy movement of workers, traders and trans port vehicles. Silva further pointed to the shortage of registered labourers at the Cutbona Fishing Jetty, saying that ad equate manpower is crucial for the efficient handling of fish landings and other op erations.
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He urged the con cerned authorities to take necessary steps to ensure sufficient registered work ers are available so that fishing activities can pro ceed without unnecessary delays. Calling for swift action, the MLA said all pending infra structure and maintenance works should be completed before the fishing season be gins. He emphasized that the Fisheries Department and other concerned agencies must work in coordination to ensure fishermen do not face avoidable difficulties once they return to sea. Silva said the fishing com munity plays a vital role in Goa’s economy and deserves safe working conditions and proper infrastructure. He added that ensuring the safe ty of fishermen and main taining fishing jetties in good condition should remain a priority for the government.
The annual fishing season resumes on August 1 fol lowing the conclusion of the 61-day monsoon fishing ban, which is imposed every year to protect marine life during the breeding season. With trawlers and fishing vessels preparing to head back to sea, fishing jetties across Goa are expected to witness heightened activity. Authorities have been urged to ensure that all safety measures and essential facil ities are in place so that the new fishing season begins smoothly and without dis ruption.
