PANJIM: The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union on Monday demanded that the fishermen, primarily operating on Vainguinim beach, be compensated for the income lost due to the ongoing 37th National Games.
The Union and the fishermen also demanded relocation of their canoes and compensation for the income they will lose due to the restrictions on fishing activities during the event.
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Speaking to mediapersons after meeting the Director of Fisheries, a member of the Union said, “We received a letter which stated that there would be a ban on fishing from October 23 to November 9, 2023, in view of the National Games. We agreed to their order but we demand that families of those who will lose their livelihood due to the event be compensated. However, we did not receive any assurance from the Director of Fisheries.”
“We also want big events like the National Games to be organised in Goa but it should not be by destroying the livelihood of Goan fishermen. What is the benefit from the event?” the union member asked.
Another fisherman said, “When we would make a call to the control room requesting for a boat, the authorities would reply that there are no boats. Now from where all these boats are coming for the event?”
He further said that the District Collector has imposed Section 144 CrPC in the area, which means there cannot be movement of more than four persons in a group. “But when the event is taking place, then are not the players and the organisers in a group and are they not liable for action for violating prohibitory orders?” the fisherman questioned.
Earlier, the Union had sent urgent letters outlining their concerns to the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Revenue Minister Babush Monserrate, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, and other authorities concerned.
The fishermen had requested a safe site to relocate their fishing canoes during the specified event period i.e. from October 23 to November 9, 2023, to ensure the preservation of their valuable equipment. They had also sought compensation stating that this would help offset the financial impact of the fishing restrictions.
