PERNEM: After the Tourism Department razed a hut of a local fisherman claiming that it was an encroachment at Vithaldaswada-Morjim, a delegation of the agitated fishermen led by local panch Vilas Morje met Chief Minister Pramod Sawant who assured them of justice. The CM promised to look into the matter and also assured them that a shed would be erected for the fishermen to keep their boats and other equipment.
Gaavi community from Vithaldaswada has been storing their fishing nets, boats and other material in temporary huts which they erected along the shore. This area comes under the jurisdiction of the government.
On the occasion of Narali Purnima, when the fishermen had moved their boats from the huts, the Tourism Department officials seized the opportunity and razed the hut under police protection.
This agitated the local fishermen questioned the selective motive of the authorities behind razing only one hut and while leaving other encroachments and high rise structures belonging to the high and mighty untouched. The panchayat members rushed to the site and stated that they were not given prior intimation about the demolition by the Tourism department.
Locals too, have questioned the government’s lack of action against structures which clearly violate CRZ laws.
