Team Herald
MARGAO: Traditional fishermen from Colva have raised concerns over possible displacement as the Tourism Department’s Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme inches closer to implementation.
Although the department has yet to finalise plans for developing its beach-facing property at Colva, apprehension remains high among the fishing community, who fear that modernisation projects could encroach upon their longstanding livelihood spaces and disrupt their daily activities.
During a recent visit to Colva, Tourism Minister Rohan Khaunte revealed details of the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme, which is backed by Central government funding and aims to improve tourism infrastructure. This phase of the project will include redeveloping the government-owned commercial complex at Colva Beach with modern facilities, such as information centres, health services, and a police outpost, to enhance visitor experiences. Work on phase I will begin just after the new year, while phase II, which involves the fishing village and the entrance to the beach, will begin after the first phase is completed.
Addressing fishermen’s concerns, Khaunte had then clarified that no decision has been made regarding development on the beach-facing property and urged the local community not to heed rumours that they would be displaced. He asserted that any actions taken would consider the interests of all stakeholders, including the fishermen. The Colva village panchayat had also stated that they would help convey the concerns of the fishermen.
Despite these assurances, traditional fishermen remain apprehensive. For decades, they have used the beachfront property to dry fish, stack salt, and dock their boats, all vital to their trade. Although the Tourism Department acquired the 54,452 sq m property in 1988, successive governments have occasionally attempted to relocate the fishermen, though without success. The community insists that their lives are tied to the coast, and removing them would have devastating impacts on their livelihood.
Leaders of the Traditional Fishermen Association of Colva stated that the community has consistently advocated for its rights to the land. “The government has yet to communicate a definitive plan regarding this property’s development. But now, with the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme announcement, anxiety has taken hold,” one leader shared. “Our work depends on this shore. Displacing us from here would not only disrupt our lives but also sever our connection to our ancestral livelihood.”
, too, have voiced concerns, asking the government not to interfere with their coastal activities. “We spend our days here, drying fish and storing salt. This land connects us with the sea, and it’s where our livelihood lies,” one fisherwoman expressed.
As the tourism department continues discussions about Colva Beach’s future, the fishing community has made it clear that their interests must be safeguarded, urging officials to prioritise their needs and their connection to the coastal land before any significant development proceeds.