MARGAO/CUNCOLIM: Due to the government’s inability to initiate the construction of a training wall at the mouth of River Sal, fishermen from Betul have submitted a proposal to the Central government for the construction of an artificial breakwater facility as an alternative.
Fishermen, along with boat owners from Cutbona, have been encountering difficulties entering and exiting the sea due to navigational channel problems. They are hopeful that a solution will be found before the fishing ban is lifted, as their livelihoods have suffered for years as a result.
Vinay Tari, Chairman of the Cutbona-based Fisheries Cooperative Society, emphasized the significance of the fishing industry in Goa as the state’s second-largest industry and a crucial pillar of the economy. However, the fisheries department has shown little interest in providing the necessary infrastructure. The Cutbona jetty, despite expansion, remains overcrowded and congested. As a permanent resolution to this issue, they have demanded the establishment of an artificial backwater system at Cutbona.
According to Tari, the proposed artificial backwater system will benefit large fishing vessels, motor boats, small fishing boats, and traditional fishermen. Additionally, it will have a positive impact on the tourism industry. Similar facilities have been implemented in many states, including the small fishing port of Karwar. Tari emphasized that if the State government can implement such a system at Cutbona, it will greatly benefit the fishing industry.
During his visit to Goa, their proposal was submitted to Union Fisheries Minister Parshottam Rupala. Tari stated that such a system would facilitate daily docking, unloading, and loading activities for all fishing communities, both mechanized and non-mechanized. Presently, boat owners operating from Cutbona are entirely dependent on the tidal system for navigation, particularly at the mouth of the River Sal.
Furthermore, Tari highlighted that their proposal considers the future growth of the fishing sector and its requirements. It is worth noting that fishermen and boat owners in Goa have conducted multiple meetings with the State Fisheries Department. However, coordination issues with other relevant departments have resulted in the State government’s failure to provide a timeline for the construction of the two-decade-old training wall facility.
