Khariwado residents demand ordinance to save houses
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, JAN 27
Pinning their hopes on the State government to safeguard their houses from demolition, residents of Khariwado-Vasco on Thursday demanded that the government should move an ordinance to save their houses.
The demand was made in a solidarity meeting to show the strength of Khariwado people, who have been served with demolition notices by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) in the wake of High Court’s decision to demolish 366-odd shanties along the Khariwado coast.
Councillors, fishermen and local residents of Khariwado unanimously urged the government to safeguard their houses from demolition, as the High Court has asked MMC to serve final notices to all the 366 houses by February 15.
It may be stated that the issue of demolition is nothing new for the residents of Khariwado, as they have been battling to save the jetty and houses along Khariwado for the last two decades.
When Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) filed a writ petition making Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority and MMC party to it, in December, 2010, the High Court delivered its verdict in favour of the port authority.
Addressing the residents during the meeting, most of the speakers — Councillor Fiola Rego, Lavina D’Souza, Pascoal D’ Souza, former councillor Arnold Rego, fisherman Simon Pereira, Clement D’Souza, Karidade Pereira, Roney D’Souza and Edwin Pereira felt that there is a need for unity among fishermen and the affected people.
Khariwado Councillor Lavina D’Souza informed the people that MMC has nothing to do in the matter, as High Court has made council a party in the petition and MMC is just following the High Court order.
“We have been kept in the dark about High Court’s decision and not even once this issue was discussed in the council,” said Councillor Fiola Rego.
“With the turnout for the solidarity meeting which is being held at the door steps of the people who have been served with demolition notice, will the same people come for the meeting before the chief minister,” she asked.
Councillor Pascaol D’Souza, elder brother of Revenue Minister Jose Philip, said the port authority has no right to evacuate the fishermen. “Port cannot dictate its terms since fishermen along the Khariwado coast have been living for centuries,” added D’Souza.
Former president of Goa Fishing Boat Owner Association Roney D’Souza said they have been hoping against hope, as there is a need to appeal against the judgement of the High Court on priority basis.
