Team Herald
PORVORIM: The opposition benches on Tuesday questioned the BJP-led coalition’s move banning the use of LED lights arguing that the ordinance issued is without any logical thinking.
Goa Vikas Party (GVP) MLA Francisco ‘Mickky’ Pacheco and Independent MLA Benjamin Silva were amongst others questioning on what grounds had the Fisheries Department issued the notification when hundreds of fishermen’s families are dependent on this profession for livelihood.
“On what basis has the department banned fishing using LED lights? The decision is without any logical thinking going against the interest of Goan fishermen community,” Pacheco told the ongoing monsoon session of the State Legislative Assembly session during discussion on demands for grants on fisheries department.
Pacheco said while Goans are banned from using LED- lights installed trawlers, the fishermen from neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra are blatantly using this system as there is no ban imposed on them.
“A study should be conducted before imposing a ban on LED lights for sorting. Majority livelihood is dependent on this and with this ban they are the worst affected. Other coastal states like Kerala allows fishing with LED lights. Why should our people suffer?” Benjamin questioned, supporting Mickky’s claim.
State fisheries department had recently issued ordinance banning use of LED lights following massive protests by fishermen in the capital, forcing authorities to resort to lathi charge. The agitation had rivers blocked by using canoes and trawlers.
“Can you issue an ordinance only because there is law and order problem?” Pacheco questioned adding that Central government had conducted a scientific research spending Rs six crore on the use of LED lights for fishing.
“The report had given green signal for fishing with LED lights but the (fishing) net should be of 45 mm mesh,” the Nuvem MLA commented.
Pacheco rubbished the claim that small fish is netted due to use of LED light. “The actual theory is that small fish gets confused with the light and bigger fish is attracted there looking at the smaller fish. The final catch is of a bigger fish, and not of small fish,” he added.
Porvorim’s Independent legislator Rohan Khaunte, supported by other members in the assembly, sought to create an awareness on the schemes for traditional fishermen.
Moreover, he asked the Fisheries Department to give a clarity in the proposal for expansion of the ‘overgrown’ Malim jetty. “Is Malim jetty able to take the expansion plan? Besides the expansion, there are other factors like transportation, parking of vehicles, etc, to be taken care of. The Fisheries Department should give a clarity on the proposal,” he said.
