TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Accusing the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) of giving wrong information to the state government where it allegedly said there are very few people who are traditionally collecting tisreos (clams) and window pane oysters at Sancoale bay, the villagers have clarified that the MPT should verify the facts again as the number of people dependent on Sancoale bay for daily bread is not fourteen but fourteen hundred people.
Around six hundred people from eight different villagers including Sancoale, Dabolim, Cortalim, Consua, Quelossim, Verna, Nuvem and Cansaulim who are traditionally collecting tisreos and window pane oysters at Sancoale bay had gathered at the proposed site identified for the marina project in order to register their protest against the project. Although they had come down to carry out the routine job of collecting tisreos the moment they noticed newsmen, the affected villagers started accusing the government on various fronts and especially for not giving them the opportunity to put forth their views before making an announcement for the project. Few villagers also threatened to commit suicide if the government goes ahead with the project.
“I don’t believe in issuing threats but our calculation is simple. If the government wants to be adamant in this issue then even we will be giving similar fight and possibly if they want to hit on our stomach then we would not keep quiet but would surely react strongly. If required, we will resort to a mass agitation and if nothing happens then we’ll commit suicide” said Caitano Fernandes, a villager from Cansaulim who is collecting clams since last 33 years at Sancoale.
From politicians to parish priest and even villagers from eight villagers are now extending their support to the people who are collecting tisreos, clams and window pane oysters at Sancoale bay but fear losing their livelihood.
“We don’t say that we don’t want marina. What we say is that the site selected by the government is not correct and thus they should build this project in some other location. We cannot destroy our environment for the sake of tourists and tourism. Government should make a special plan where they can bring tourists to show how people are collecting shellfish and should avoid making plans of dislodging people of their livelihood “said senior BJP leader from Sancoale, Tulsidas Naik.
Singing a similar tune, the convenor for Goans for Dabolim Only (GFDO) Fr Eremito Rebello has given a clarion call and has said that the state government should think twice before making such proposals. “I have no clue as to why our government is trying to put a full stop on anything and everything. When the people don’t want, the government should respect the wishes of the people but here something is wrong, as wherever people object, government purposely goes ahead with its plans. In this case they would have to face brunt of those people losing their livelihood” he told.
