MARGAO: Frustrated by the persistent issues plaguing the navigational channel at the mouth of River Sal, boat owners from Betul and Cutbona held a meeting with the Fisheries Minister and Director on Wednesday, demanding immediate action to construct a training wall.
For years, the fishermen from these two groups have been grappling with the authorities, repeatedly questioning the inexplicable delay in building the long-awaited breakwater facility. The navigational channel’s problems pose numerous challenges for the fishermen, hampering their ability to enter and exit the river and creating safety hazards for their crew.
During the meeting, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar assured the fishermen that he would personally follow up on the matter. However, Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas and Velim MLA Cruz Silva, also in attendance, expressed their skepticism, demanding concrete progress and action after previous assurances failed to materialise.
Patrick D’Silva, the former President of the Cutbona Boat Owners Development Union Society, and Vinay Tari, Chairman of the Cutbona-based Fisheries Cooperative Society, were present at the gathering as well.
D’Silva revealed that they were informed that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had given clearance for the construction of the training wall. However, the government still required an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report, which is currently being prepared by a consultant based in Chennai.
Viegas added that the consultant had been requested to provide clarifications on certain points, but there is hope that the necessary Environment Clearance will be obtained, and work can commence within the next six months. He further expressed concern about the widening sand bar at the mouth of River Sal due to rampant sand erosion.
In a bid to find a temporary solution for the navigational channel, D’Silva suggested that the ongoing desilting work of River Sal should explore options to address the issue.
The meeting also addressed other pressing concerns, including the repair of roads at the Cutbona dockyard, the restoration of functional toilet facilities, and the establishment of a Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) at the jetty. MLA Cruz Silva assured the fishermen that the roads leading to the jetty would be repaired before the onset of the monsoon season.
Additionally, the fishermen voiced their dissatisfaction with not being shown the plans for the new wholesale fish market in Margao, despite their year-long demand. They emphasized the need for the market facilities to benefit local fishermen and demanded that their previous requests for specific arrangements be incorporated into the plans.
