Team Herald
PANJIM: Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) on Friday slammed Tourism Department and the local MLA for remaining mum on nominating Miramar beach for blue flag certification, as a similar attempt was made to privatise and develop the beach in 2002.
“Miramar beach is a special case, a unique beach, thus far left intact as a valuable public asset. We vehemently oppose any certification to the beach, and we do not believe that facilities like landscaping, water sports, marina, mechanical cleaning, children’s park are required at Miramar,” GRE vice-president Meninio D’Souza said.
He added, “There are ecological and environmental concerns like the inviolability of the existing sand dunes, the need for conserving precious habitat of migratory birds like plovers and terns and several other species sheltering in and feeding at Miramar beach. The fisherman community needs the entire waterfront/seashore to protect their livelihood and any proposal for developmental activity on the seaward side will hamper fishing activities.”
He further said that Miramar beach cannot be equated with other beaches as it has a rich ecosystem in terms of storm and disturbance regulation, environmental capacitance, drainage, biodiversity of flora and fauna, habitat and recreational value.
“The blue flag certification had first been proposed at Velsao beach, but opposed by locals and fisherman, and the same has now shifted to Miramar beach. This certification will displace the traditional occupation of fishing called “rampon” which has been carried out for centuries by fishermen of Caranzalem and Miramar. The beach stretch is almost 2km and is used as a landing point for fishing canoes, nets, drying,” he said.
GRE demanded that the government drop the proposal of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to declare Miramar beach for ‘Blue Flag’ Certification, as this certification will bring marinas, casinos, water sports and other infrastructure, which will deprive traditional fishermen the right to livelihood and a recreational place for the people. They proposed that this certification be shifted at Khariwado beach at Vasco.
