MARGAO
For the first time since the row erupted over the desilting of the river Sal, the river was jointly inspected by the traditional fishermen and a team drafted by the Captain of Ports on Friday.
No decision yet has been taken whether to go ahead with the river desilting or not as it has been decided that the fishermen will get back to the Captain of Ports next week after a study and after discussing the matter with the fishermen organisations.
The inspection team boarded the vessels at Assolna before heading right up to the Varca-Telaulim bridge, from where the Phase-II of river Sal desilting starts. While officials of the Captain of Ports showed the delegation of fishermen the depths of the river at different places, the fishermen in turn explained to them the fishing areas, including the stakes in the river.
The Captain of Ports delegation is believed to have invited the fishermen to depute a team when the officials demarcate the areas listed up for desilting. The fishermen has promised to get back to the officials next week.
Member of AVCB Traditional Fishermen Association, Eng. Cruz Silva said the joint inspection basically inspected the areas, where the fishing areas are located and the depth of the river at different stretches. “The officials explained us the channel that would be desilted by the Captain of Ports as part of the project. From our side, we have showed the places, which are considered as fishing areas,” he said.
To a question, he said the feedback obtained during the inspection will be deliberated and discussed with the traditional fishermen, but made it clear that no desilting work will start till the fishermen convey its message to the Captain of Ports.
