TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: The State government’s ambitious proposal for a marina along a major part of Canacona’s coastline is wading in troubled waters, with residents of Talpona and the All Goa Kshetriya Pagi Samaj (AGKPS) upset that the project could have serious repercussions on their livelihood and survival.
Residents and AGKPS wonder if the government’s proposed development of the Talpona mini-port is a hidden ploy to commence high-end tourism activities at the cost of traditional fishing activities in the area.
As part of its plans to develop two minor ports in the State, the Captain of Ports has proposed two marinas, one each at Teracol (North) and Talpona (South), under a PPP model.
The marina at Teracol will be capable of berthing 50 boats with related facilities and plans for a 5-star hotel in close vicinity as per new Regional Development Plan, reveals information obtained by an RTI activist.
Incidentally, RTI information revealed that the proposed land and sea area expected to be cordoned off for the proposed Talpona marina activities (which is supposed to be developed as a minor port of Talpona) covers an extensive area right from Pandigat point (a part of Agonda village) in the north of Talpona to a point in Loliem village.
“The proposed Marina is not only port activity. Since it is a pleasure/leisure water-sports, the fishing activities of local fishermen may not be permitted or even if permitted will be highly affected, considering the routine movements of yachts or other boats,” opined Kishore Painguinkar, who was also instrumental in uncovering the marina plans.
A furious Divakar Pagui, member of AGKPS and former Canacona Municipal Council chairman added: “This is highly unacceptable and is a grave attempt to deprive the livelihood of the fishing community. We will not allow this to happen. The government will have to go ahead with this project on our dead bodies.”
“None of our community members were aware that such a hidden agenda is being pursued by authorities by keeping us all in the dark. The plan only came to light when one of our members, who suspected a hidden agenda regarding the proposed Talpona mini-port, obtained relevant information under the RTI Act,” Pagui said.
The RTI activist then alerted a few of his fellow fishermen and the issue was raised at the biennial AGKPS meeting in Chaudi-Canacona two weeks ago.
The fishing community also raised their apprehensions with Sanguem MLA Subhash Phaldessai, when he attended a Samudra Pujan at Palolem on Wednesday. He reportedly assured to raise the issue in the ongoing Assembly session.
Incidentally, the issue was also debated at the Poinguinim Gram Sabha and concerned members moved a resolution to oppose water sports activities in the village off the Talpona coast.
What has angered the AGKPS members is that the fishing community was never consulted at any stage of the proposed project.
“The government must come clear on this project and the residents in the affected areas must be taken into confidence. Else, the proposed marina can have serious repercussions on the lives and livelihood of all residents here,” said Shekar Pagui, a former president of AGKPS.
