CHICALIM: It’s a tiny island on the Zuari, whose existence has been defined and shaped by the tides. Lives were lived by the river. And livelihoods were provided by the river.
In three weeks the islanders have a date with future history. A day meant to make their voices heard. A chance they have got because good people, like the Goa Foundation went to court to protect the rights of locals to speak and be heard, before the final coastal zone management plan, for their village and island is sealed. The fear is that the plan ostensibly meant to protect their pristine village in the Chicalim village panchayat will actually do the reverse.
The residents of Sao Jacinto island are worried about their land rights, way of life, and the influx of outsiders and whether the suggestions and objections raised by them will be included in the new CZMP(Coastal Zone Management Plant) public hearing or not. They also questioned the motive of the govt to undertake this public hearing during the CoVID19 pandemic.
The CZMP public hearing will be held on July 8 in both the districts of Goa.
Rulex Dcruz, said that for several decades people come and collect oysters, clams and other shellfish on this island. People were earning their livelihood from fishing activities. But if a ten meters road is allowed towards the island, then this may prove to be the final death knell”. She also said that if the suggestions given by the people are neglected then it may prove disastrous.
Magdaline Furtado (73) said that residents of this island are into traditional fishing activities and lead a happy life. But if plans are changed ( for example if land to be used differently) residents are in the dark She said, “We don’t want big roads and other such things on this island, we want to protect and preserve its uniqueness and serene ambience.
Derel Dsouza, another resident of Sao Jacinto island recalled when the second wave of CoVID19 started in Goa everyone advocated maintaining social distancing, avoiding public gatherings, wearing masks etc. He said “Why is there is an urgency to have a public hearing at one place wherein thousands of people will remain present”
He added that hearings can take place at the taluka level so that people can raise their points.
Felix Dsouza, a fisherman said, “We do not have greed for money but we love our serene island. That’s why our ancestors stayed here and we are continuing to protect this heritage island. We do not want a 10-meter road build towards this island. If this road comes then many outsiders will come here. It will affect our natural spring, wells etc. We do not have money to buy land and live elsewhere therefore we want our island to be protected and safe”
Recently, the youth and the villagers of this island had posed some heavy questions which the state government will have to answer about the safety of their houses, their chapel and preservation of their traditional activities
The biggest threat to their existence, villagers and those who have studied the issue feel is that their island was shown within port limits in the draft CZMP 2021 plan.
Another area of great contention shows is that houses of the villagers, mostly belonging to the fishing community have not been shown in the plan.
