Team Herald
VASCO: The fishermen community of Baina and Khariwado has made a joint appeal to all 40 MLAs to take up their issue under humanitarian grounds and stop the ongoing efforts to displace local fishermen from Baina with pretext that their structures violate CRZ rules.
They have also decided to send representations to all MLAs pleading for a discussion on the issue in the forthcoming assembly session, and if required, to pass an ordinance as was done in the past to protect a starred hotel.
The decision was taken at a joint meeting of Baina Ramponkar Fishing Canoe Owner’s Society and Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owner’s Cooperative Society held recently.
“Our MLA has been making efforts to give us compensation. He alone cannot protect our structures as the same need a tough and collective decision from the State leaders.” said Sadiq Yakub, President of Baina Ramponkar Fishing Canoe Owner’s Society.
Extending their support to the Baina fishing community, the President of Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owner’s Cooperative Society, Custodio D’Souza said, “Fisherman can operate only if they are next to the shore. The fishing community from Baina has been living there since the last several decades and even if the government gives them some relief they won’t allow them to live there which in turn would put them into deep trouble.”
as they need to be next to Sea.”
He said that they have to take precautionary steps during emergencies as they have canoes/nets on the beach. “We can only request all the leaders to think of the poor people and give them opportunity to earn their livelihood,” D’Souza said.
