KARSTEN MIRANDA
karsten@herald –goa.com
MARGAO: Two months ago, when the fishing ban began on June 1, the fishing community down South were hoping that the State government would try and address their grievances during the fishing ban period.
However, on Monday, August 1, the day the fishing ban was lifted, and the fishing season commenced, the day they were waiting for since June 1, the fishing community was disappointed as the situation more or less has remained the same with regard to their unaddressed grievances.
While ten to fifteen per cent ventured out amongst the trawler owners, many of the traditional ramponkars (fishermen) ventured into sea but did not return with much of a catch.
“We were expecting better weather conditions, but the season is long and it is just starting. Usually in the first week of August you get even tougher weather conditions. You can’t do much about the weather but you can hope that the government will step up and do much more than what they have done,” said Ramesh Chari, a traditional fisherman.
But the problems are more severe than bad weather.
“The government was trying to promote new schemes which were not local friendly. Instead, they should have just focused on helping us with common things,” Sebastiao Fernandes, local ramponkar.
“This is our traditional occupation, passed on from generations and we have learnt to rely on ourselves rather than wait for help from the government. Many have given up this profession, so the government has to wake up now before more leave,” said Sebastiao.
At Cutbona, the boat owners wanted the issues of illumination, cleanliness, roads and more importantly mouth of River Sal to have been looked at by now.
“The Fisheries Department has gone hammer and tongs when it comes to taking action against illegalities but what about ensuring that basic services are provided and long pending problems are resolved. We have been crying about the risk we face due to the sandbar at the entry of the sea which has really damaged our business. Talk to us about how they plan on solving this at least,” said Peter Cardozo, a boat owner.
Elsewhere, the traditional fishermen lament that their demands regarding having better facilities for drying and preserving the catch they bring in, mending their nets and boats. The documentation for the promised insurance policy has not been done.
