Shoreline illegally reclaimed at Khariwada fishing jetty: MPT

VASCO, MAY 6
Some persons have reportedly reclaimed nearly 1,000 sq mtrs shoreline attached to the Khariwado fishing jetty, in violation of Costal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and Port Act.
Addressing reporters in his office on Thursday, Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) Deputy Chairperson P C Parida said some unknown persons have reclaimed shoreline close to Khariwado jetty some days ago, which is in gross violation of CRZ norms and Section 46 of the Port Act.
“Criminal proceeding has to be initiated against the persons, who have reclaimed the shoreline,” stated Parida.
It may be recalled that five months ago in a joint meeting chaired by MPT officials along with Fisheries Minister Joaquam Alemao, Revenue Minister Jose Philip D’Souza, Mormugao MLA Milind Naik, then chief secretary Sanjay Srivastav and office bearers of Goa Fishing Boat Owner Association (GFBOA) had agreed to shift its operation from the existing Khariwado fishing jetty to the new site towards the southern end of Baina beach once it is functional.
Parida said the fishing body at Khariwado fishing jetty had agreed during the tri-party meeting to shift its operation at the new location once it is commissioned.
“But with such illegal reclamation, it reflects that the fishing community is not willing to shift, even though port and State government have agreed to the demand,” added Parida.
He further informed that port officials are working to finalise the feasibility report on the new site. Soil test has been completed and they would shortly put forward proposal before the Central government for the construction of fishing jetty, which is estimated to cost Rs 40 crore.
“We understand Khariwado fishing jetty is the livelihood of many fishermen. We want to compensate them in the best possible manner due to which we have agreed to build the new fishing jetty. Recently, we have spent nearly Rs 40 lakh on the repair of fishing jetty at Khariwado,” said Parida.
However, it is learnt that for the last few months, work is going on to reclaim the shoreline and nearly 400 truckloads of rubble have been dumped to make it slip-way for boats.
It is further learnt that about 1,000-odd area, which has been reclaimed, would be utilised for repair of boats during off season.
“We came to know about the reclamation recently,” added Parida.
He said the port authority has complained to the CRZ authority, District Collector, Deputy Collector and local police about the reclamation and expecting CRZ authority to inspect the site shortly.