MARGAO: The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union has appealed to the state government for assistance as preparations for the 37th National Games has affected the livelihood of fishermen, primarily operating on Vainguinim beach.
The Union and the fishermen have demanded for the relocation of their canoes and compensation for the income they will lose due to the restrictions on fishing activities during the event.
In this regard, the Union sent an urgent letter outlining their concerns to the Chief Minister, Fisheries Minister Nilkant Halarnkar, Sports Minister, Revenue Minister, Taleigao MLA Captain of Ports (CoP), Fisheries Director, Director of Directorate of Settlement and Land Records (DSLR) & Venue Commandant for the National Games, Superintendent of Police (SP) Coastal Security, Direct General of Police (DGP), North Goa District Collector, Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Chief Secretary and the Secretaries of Fisheries, Ports, Sports, Revenue departments.
“We just came to know last evening about various notices/orders/directions issued to stop fishing activities within 01 nautical mile from the shore as well as to clear Vainguinim beach from October 23, 2023 to November 08, 2023 due to water sports activities planned as part of 37th National Games to be held in Goa,” said Union President Shaila D’Mello in the letter sent on Friday.
“We are aware of the North Goa Collector’s order to impose section 144 Cr. P.C on Vaiguinim beach, Dona Paula and Chapora river from October 27, 2023 to November 08, 2023 based on request from the Director of Youth and Sports Affairs, Government of Goa,” added Union Secretary Laximan Mangueshkar.
This they emphasized has left fishermen in the area facing the potential loss of their livelihoods.
Thus, Union on behalf of the fishermen of Vainguinim beach who own canoes, have put forward two key demands to the authorities:
The fishermen requested a safe site to relocate their fishing canoes during the specified event period, i.e. from October 23, 2023 to November 08, 2023, to ensure the preservation of their valuable equipment.
They also sought compensation stating that this would help offset the financial impact of the fishing restrictions.
“Kindly arrange to pay Rs 5,000 per canoe per day in advance to respective canoe owners as the fishermen face loss of livelihood due to restrictions on fishing activities from the offices Director of Fisheries, Venue Commandant and Director of Settlement and Land Records, Captain of Ports, North Goa Collector, and Director of Youth and Sports Affairs,’ said D’Mello while talking about the second demand.
“Kindly fulfill the above two demands and help us to co-operate in plans for holding the 37th National Games programs at Vainguinim beach,” D’Mello added.
“We also wish to inform you that all the canoes on Vainguinim beach are licensed either by the Department of Fisheries or Captain of Ports. Hence we should not be treated like garbage by using words like -as in notice from the Director of Fisheries dated 17/10/2023 that reads – ‘beach should be cleared of all canoes/vessels’. Please treat Goa’s fishing communities with respect and dignity, and not contempt as we are hardworking communities engaged in lawful small scale fisheries,” said Mangueshkar.
The Union also appealed that a personal hearing be conducted with the authorities concerned so that they can all find a seamless solution to the issue. They added that cooperation between their community and the event organizers is crucial to successfully hosting the 37th National Games.
As the 37th National Games have begun, the fishing community in Goa hope that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed immediately.
