PANJIM, SEPT 15
The National Fish Workers’ Forum (NFF) has termed the new CRZ notification as mere eyewash and ploy to rob land of the traditional fishermen.
“Special consideration for Goa is an eye wash, as merely mapping fishing villages and khazan lands does not entail protection for fishermen or environment,” NFF acting Chairman Mathanhy Saldanha told Herald.
He said that everyone was aware that coastal belt is inhibited by fishermen, therefore mapping of the villages is unwarranted.
The Union Government in the fresh CRZ-2010 notification declared that no developmental activity can be carried out on Goan beaches, which are designated as turtle nesting sites. The notification also said that the state government would carry out a survey of all fishing villages in Goa.
Saldanha, a former tourism minister, said that certain clauses in the notification were basically aimed at displacing the fishermen and taking over the coastal villages under Goa zone management plan (GZMP).
He said that there was no difference between the CRZ pre-draft and final draft. “What is the use of having ten consultants around if they do not protect the rights of fishermen, traditional residents and coastal residents while it allows industries, SEZs and others?” he questioned.
Saldanha said that housing projects, atomic and thermal plants are allowed within CRZ and no development zones under the guise of requirements of on shore facilities.
“In these cases, in what way it allows protection of environment, fishermen and their livelihood,” he asked.
“We don’t know whether the Union minister for environment and forests wants to fool and take coastal people for ride or whether bureaucrats are lobbying for vested interest,” he said.
Saldanha said that the NFF would soon meet to take stock of the situation and decide the future course of action.
The Centre also notified regulations imposing fresh restrictions on development activity within 500 meters of the 7,500-km long Indian coastline divided into four zones depending on ecological sensitivity.
The notification is improved upon the one issued in April with special regulations to Goa, Mumbai, Kerala and Sundarbans region of West Bengal.
