VASCO
The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has welcomed the National Green Tribunal directives to the Goa administration to re-conduct public hearings for the finalisation of the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
In a press note, NFF General Secretary Olencio Simoes said three fishing organisations, Akhil Goa Kshatriya Pagui Samaj, the Canacona Taluka Gabit Fishermen Trawler/Machanised Craft Owner Co-operative society and Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott had filed the petition which the help of Goa Foundation citing basic procedural flaws in conducting the public hearing which had just allowed 100 participants at both venues of North and South Goa.
“The Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) along with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) had consistently failed to prepare a proper CZMP,” said Simoes.
“Therefore, we demand the NCSCM be dropped and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) or any other Goan reputed institution be given the task to prepare the CZMP in accordance with the Annexure-I of CRZ Notification 2011, which has laid down clear guidelines for preparation of the plan.”
Simões stated since the fishing community is a primary stakeholder and the Coastal Regulation Zone has to ensure livelihood security to fishing communities and other local communities living in coastal areas, the GCZMA should conduct the public hearing at multiple locations at taluka levels on different dates.
“By doing so, as many as 173 fishing villages and representatives of fishing communities can attend and submit their objections so that a proper CZMP plan is finalised in the interest of the State and the fishing community,” he added.
