Team Herald
VASCO: Strongly opposing the Miramar beach “Blue Flag” certification proposal, Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has drawn attention of the government that similar plan of privatisation and development was proposed in 2002.
In a press release, the GRE said in 2002 the then Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar-led government had appointed “One Man Commission” which had submitted its report to the government in February 2002, thereby striking down the proposal.
The GRE said the fishermen need the entire waterfront/seashore to protect their livelihood and any proposal for developmental activity on seaward side will hamper fishing activities two kilometres off the Miramar beach.
GRE cited the example of Velsao beach, where the blue flag certification was first proposed, only to be opposed by locals and fishermen. The same has now been shifted to Miramar beach.
GRE claims that the certification would displace the traditional occupation of fishing called “Rampon” which has been carried out for centuries by fishermen of Caranzalem and Miramar. The entire beach stretch is almost two kms and is used as landing point for fishing canoes, drying nets etc. The GRE said Miramar Beach is situated at the estuaries of River Mandovi which is a breeding point for marine species.
GRE has strongly demanded that the government drop the Miramar beach ‘Blue Flag’ certification proposal of Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) as it would bring marinas, casinos, water-sports and other related infrastructural activities, which will deprive the livelihood of traditional fishermen and the people of Taleigao, Panjim and other neighbouring areas would lose the recreational place.
