Team Herald
PANJIM: Goenchea Raponnkarancho Ekvott (GRE) stated that Cyclone Kyarr has created havoc to the fishermen who are residing along the coastline of Goa.
“Since last year, we are witnessing several cyclones, which has not only restricted our entry into the sea but has damaged our nets, huts, canoes and washed away our beach area and landing areas.”
Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott has appealed to the government, especially Fisheries Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues to compensate the fisherfolk as they have incurred severe losses. They reiterated this demand pointing out that the fisherfolk have suffered damages to their property, which has put their livelihood at stake.
GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes stated that strong wind speeds, thunderstorms with lightning and cyclonic storm have been continuously hitting Goa’s coastline for the last eight months. In addition, he pointed out that Cyclone Ockhi and now Cylone Kyarr have made the coast hostile for the fishing community and those residing along the coastline.
“The sea in most areas has entered almost 50 metres on to the land and damaged properties and houses of the coastal dwellers, thereby washing away their nets, huts, canoes and their belongings. Khariwado, Velsao, Arossim, Nerul and most areas are severely affected, due to this several fishermen have incurred a loss of almost 3 lakh and GRE has requested the government and all authorities concerned to inspect the damaged caused and compensate immediately,” added Olencio.
Olencio further stated that the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) nor the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai has yet not done any justice that reflects the ground reality, while preparing the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). They warned that if the government takes such a casual attitude then soon the coast will be hostile to all and that in future, severe catastrophes will occur, which would damage properties, lives and sinking the State economy.
