Fishermen stage rally to press for rehab, highlight boatload of grievances

Fishermen and residents from various communities in Mormugao taluka staged a protest rally from Baina to the Mormugao Deputy Collector’s office at Vasco, demanding rehabilitation before demolition of their structures at Baina beach and demolition of structures by Goa Tourism Development Corporation at Baina beach.

the goan I network | SEPTEMBER 13, 2016, 05:14 AM IST
VASCO 

 Leaders from the Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott, Baina Ramponkar and Canoe Owners’ Society, Desterro Fisherman’s Association, Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners’ Co-operative Society Ltd and Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum later submitted an eight-point memorandum to Mormugao Mamlatdar Laxmikant Dessai as the Deputy Collector Gaurish Shankwalkar was away at an official meeting. 
 Baina Parish Priest Fr Vital Miranda was also present on the occasion. Around 200 traditional fishermen from Baina, Desterro, Khariwada and Cansaulim joined the protest which was supported by residents from the port town and fish vendors from Vasco fish market.  
In their eight-point memorandum, the fishermen have demanded rehabilitation of those fishermen whose structures have been demolished or are on the verge of demolition in close proximity of the beach to protect their livelihood. They also demanded construction temporary sheds close to the shore to house canoes and to carry out repair of fishing nets, while also insisting on a district committee as per CRZ rules headed by the respective district collector, the taluka deputy collector and three representatives of local traditional coastal communities.  
“Demarcate fishing villages as per the CRZ Notification 2011 and regularize the houses of the fishing community and other dwellings of the traditional coastal communities including fisherfolks and other tribals,” is another point in the memorandum.  
Thet demanded demolition of concrete structures by GTDC at Baina Beach which is in No Development Zone and in violation of CRZ Notifications 2011. The fishermen also objected to the Water Resources Department’s anti-sea erosion and protective measures by building a flood protection wall at Katem-Baina and other places like Vaddem, Dabolim, Velsao and Arossim. The fishermen have also called for scrapping of MPT’s proposal of a fishing jetty and plans to build a cruise berth and terminal parallel to fishing habour on grounds that it would destroy marine life and cause inconvenience to traditional fishermen at Khariawado.

THEIR DEMANDS 
 Around 200 traditional fishermen from Baina, Desterro, Khariwada and  Cansaulim joined the protest which was supported by residents from the  port town and fish vendors from Vasco fish market
 In their eight-point memorandum, the fishermen have demanded  rehabilitation of those fishermen whose structures have been demolished  or are on the verge of demolition in close proximity of the beach to  protect their livelihood
 They also demanded construction temporary sheds close to the shore to house canoes and to carry out repair of fishing netsin close proximity of the beach to  protect their livelihood
 Demarcate fishing villages as per the CRZ Notification 2011 and  regularize the houses of the fishing community and other dwellings of  the traditional coastal communities including fisherfolks and other  tribals
 Demolish concrete structures by GTDC at Baina beach  
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