Team Herald
MARGAO: With the monsoon season commencing, traditional fishermen from Benaulim are renewing their appeal for a portion of land at the now-defunct prawn hatchery to berth their country-made fishing vessels and store nets.
They are demanding that the government allocate 5,000 square metres from the 52,000 square metre properties currently under the Fisheries Department. The fishermen claim the rising sea levels make it unsafe to park their vessels along the shoreline, and private property owners have objected to boats being placed on their land.
“Some of our boats were removed after complaints. With our homes located over a kilometre from the beach, we have no safe and accessible place to keep our boats during the rains,” said local fisherman Pele Fernandes.
According to Fernandes, Benaulim has around 81 traditional fishing vessels, but the limited space near the shore falls far short of what is needed. He and others have been calling on the government to reserve a portion of the prawn hatchery land to support their livelihood.
The fishermen have also expressed concern over the Fisheries Department’s plan to revive the shrimp farm through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). They argue that any development should not come at the cost of the traditional fishing community’s needs. The group has warned that they will launch a sustained agitation if the government proceeds with the PPP model without addressing their concerns.
“It’s disheartening to see the government prioritising private investment over the welfare of local fishermen. This land has been linked to our community for generations,” said Fernandes. They insist their request for just 5,000 square metres—less than 10% of the total area—is reasonable and essential for their survival.
Officials from the Fisheries Department have reportedly assured the fishermen that a joint inspection of the site will be conducted soon. The fishing community remains hopeful that the government will respond positively and take steps to protect their rights and livelihood.