Team Herald
VASCO: The traditional fishermen from Vasco and Baina have demanded an inquiry and action against Union Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari for initiating dredging of navigational channel at MPT as the same has been declared ‘illegal’ by NGT. They have also demanded action on MPT Chairman I. Jeyakumar.
Addressing a press conference in Vasco on Sunday, Custodio D’Souza said, “There have been many illegalities done by Gadkari with the help of Goa government in the name of development.”
Custodio is the President of Old Cross Fishing Owner’s Association Co-operative Society Limited.
He said, “When we approached the government on the issue of illegal dragging, they did not listen to us. So, we approached the National Green Tribunal which passed an order to stop dredging of the sea from 14.5 meters depth to 19.5 meters.”
He further said, “As NGT order clearly states that the dredging was illegal, we demand the resignation of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Chairman I Jeyakumar and action on all those who are involved in this illegal dredging.”
