TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Traditional fishermen operating from Desterro-Baina have demanded that the State government provide them a shed to store their fishing equipment as the old one was demolished for the NH17B project.
Around 100 fishermen under the banner ‘Desterro Fishermen Association’ met Power Minister Milind Naik on Monday to highlight their grievance and to seek urgent relief from the government.
To carry out their operations smoothly, the fishermen at Desterro constructed a few structures that doubled as accommodation and sheds for their nets and other fishing equipment. However, as the structures hindered the NH17B project, they were recently demolished by NHAI. The issue of which fishermen would carry out fishing operations was not resolved. Without sheds, they run the risk of their equipment getting damaged or stolen. They also had no clue of what their fate would be once the Baina beautification project started.
“Meeting with the minister was fruitful. He has assured us full support to fulfil our demand. We just hope that the State administration provides us a shed on priority,” said Anthony Monteiro, president of Desterro Fishermen Association.
Power Minister Milind Naik stated that their demand was genuine, and thus, he would try to fulfil it. He said, “In order to solve the issue, I have called a joint meeting on April 23.”
The meeting will be attended by MPT Chairman, chief secretary, and fisheries department officials so that we come out with some permanent solution to the issue. I feel if the MPT can give some land from their old hospital building at Baina, then the issue is permanently resolved.”
