Officials from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) recently carried out an inspection at Ilha de Rachol in response to multiple complaints regarding the illegal parking of fishing vessels and associated labour and environmental concerns.
The inspection was prompted by a formal complaint from Rachol Sarpanch Joseph Vaz, who raised several red flags with authorities including the CRZ body, the Health Department, and the Captain of Ports. Vaz highlighted the unauthorized docking of nearly 70 to 80 boats at the local jetty, alleging that most of these vessels belong to owners from Vasco. He stated that these boats are being parked without the requisite permissions—violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and disrupting local order.
Beyond regulatory violations, the issue has escalated into a public health concern. Recent inspections by the Health Department revealed that several labourers employed on these boats have tested positive for dengue. This has sparked fears of a potential outbreak and raised questions about the sanitation and living conditions of the workers.
Environmental degradation is another major issue flagged by the Panchayat. Vaz accused the boat operators and their crews of careless plastic waste disposal, with trash often ending up in nearby fields. This, he warned, not only pollutes agricultural land but also poses a serious risk to the local ecosystem and public health.
The Rachol Panchayat has taken a firm stand, demanding immediate intervention from all relevant authorities. Vaz stressed that the combined issues of illegal vessel parking, poor hygiene, and unchecked pollution are violating multiple statutory norms and causing distress to the local community. The panchayat is now calling for strict enforcement and corrective action to protect Rachol’s environment and the well-being of its residents.