PANJIM: Khazan Action Committee (KAC) has demanded with Tiswadi Mamletdar to lock of sluice gates to stop illegal fishing operation in Neura, Mandur, Azossim, Carambolim khazans.

“Even as the term of operation is getting over, the lease operators who were operating the sluice gates for the year 2017 are illegally casting net at the sluice gate and are also threatening the farmers and villagers. They are being supported by office-bearers of tenant association. There have been cases of allowing few selected personnel by tenant associations to cast net illegally,” said KAC Convenor, Ramrao Wagh

“This is leading to riot-like situation as different groups are vying to operate sluice gates by bribing the tenant associations. In view of this, the KAC has demanded to direct the tenant associations to lock the sluice gates until onset of monsoon by closing the doors using the traditional technique (known in local language as ghandovap) that is followed by associations when auctions are not being held,” Wagh said.

He further said that they be directed to maintain strict vigil and order any person illegally casting net and conducting fishing activities to vacate the sluice gate premises immediately.

“The local police station may strictly be informed to assist and maintain round the clock bandobast to stop illegal fishing activities as this can lead to law and order problem and submit compliance report on weekly basis to the Mamlatdar, Tiswadi,” he said.

Meanwhile, the farming community is awaiting for the positive steps.