VASCO: The fishing community of Vasco under the banner of Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has expressed its anger over the failure of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) as well as state administration to clean Khariwado beach, posing impediment to their livelihood.
“MPT claims that Khariwado beach falls under port jurisdiction and thus they have been taking all efforts to help the local fishing community by proposing projects. However, in reality Khariwado beach, which is important fish landing point for Vasco’s traditional fishermen, is left neglected as garbage and other thrash on the beach pose impediment to fishing activity and livelihood of the local fishermen community,” said Olencio Simoes, General Secretary of GRE.
He said, “All these years we have seen MPT as well as the state administration talking highly about taking several initiatives under Swachh Bharat Mission but the garbage issue at Khariwado beach, which is located right in front of the port is yet to be resolved. Today, Khariwado beach is gripped with all sorts of pollution including coal, wood chips and garbage. Sadly, whenever the local fishermen cast their nets at Vasco bay, they get more amount of thrash and less fish catch. We firmly believe that if MPTs intention is clear then either it should take steps to clean the beach or state administration should ask Mormugao Municipality or Tourism Department to take steps and clean the beach, which has become an eyesore”.
Not only the fishermen community but even other Khariwado residents have complained of facing severe hardships due to unhygienic conditions prevailing at Khariwado beach. Some of them even complained that Vasco civic body failed to introduce door-to-door garbage in their area, which in turns had led to garbage menace in the area.
