Team Herald
MARGAO: TMC leader Churchill Alemao along with social activist Roy Barretto on Monday expressed strong objections to the recommendation of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to permit other development activities in fishing wards and to delete the demarcation of structures on the Coastal Zone Management plans, and said that fishing community should be allowed to construct their houses without any restrictions.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Churchill Alemao said he had represented the coastal belt and it is his duty to raise voice against the injustice done to the fishing community.
“How can CZM authority put restrictions on the construction of houses based on the kaleidoscope plans which were prepared several years ago, and hence we cannot fully depend on these plans taking into consideration the present situation and changes”, he said.
He further pointed out that on one side the CRZ notification of 2011 stressed on protecting the fishing community and on the other hand the same CZM authority is putting restrictions on the constructing houses for this community.
He was referring to the GCZMA’s move wherein the authority has dispatched the coastal zone management plans to the national body for approval and final notification. The authority has recommended to permit ‘other development activities’ in fishing wards and to delete the demarcation of structures on the plans.
Barretto said in the coastal regulation zone notification issue in 2011 it is clearly mentioned that the Central government, with a view to ensure livelihood security to the fisher communities and other local communities, living in the coastal areas, will conserve and protect coastal stretches, its unique environment and its marine area, and promote development through sustainable manner based on scientific principles taking into account the danger of natural hazards in the coastal areas and sea level rise due to global warming.
“However, the Goa CZM authority with the involvement of political leaders is trying to interfere into the rights of the fishing community. How can they recommend deleting the demarcation of structures of the fishing community on the plans?” he questioned.
Roy said that the fishing community is not ready to accept such a type of CZM plan which is against the people.
“Actually the notifications issued by the Central government are not properly implemented by the State authorities”, he claimed.
