the goan I network
VASCO
The traditional fishermen and the canoe owners have accused the BJP government of playing vote-bank politics by trying to demolish
their huts.
“Every year, we face the rising sea but never encountered any danger to our lives but it is surprising that the BJP government is using the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to demolish our age-old houses at the shore,” said one angry fishermen while talking to The Goan on Wednesday. A traditional fisherwoman Caridade Pereira said they were not averse to the demolition of their age-old houses at Baina beach, but want to be rehabilitated before any action is initiated.
“I do not understand why authorities are waiting for the monsoon to approach and then issue the notices. They can send the notices at least in January and after rehabilitating us they can demolish the structures,” said Pereira.
“At the last minute, where will we go with our belongings and fishing equipment? Serving the notices at the last minute is not fair. Demolitions could lead to law and order problem and the government will be blamed for this,” warned Pereira.
General Secretary of Baina Canoe Owners’ Association Sajid Shaik told The Goan that there are around 97 canoe owners and 104 canoes. “It is not possible to shift the canoes and other fishing equipment at the last minute,”
said Shaik.
The local MLA had assured us in September 2015 during the demolition of the 201 structures that our structures would be protected.
“It appears that local BJP politicians are playing vote-bank politics and are trying to demolish our structures with the help of GCZMA. But if authorities go ahead with the demolition, residents will be forced to agitate,”
warned Shaik.
When contacted, officials at the Mormugao Mamlatdar and Deputy Collector informed that they had not received any such notices, but have only heard about these.
When contacted, GCZMA Member Secretary Srinet Kotwale informed that his office was not the party concerned in issuing eviction notices. “It is the duty of the office of the deputy collector to serve demolition notices. However, the serving of the notices is in progress and the step is taken according to the report presented by the office of the South Goa Collector,” Kotwale said.
An official speaking on condition of anonymity informed The Goan that GCZMA may or may not serve the notices to the remaining illegal structures at Baina beach. It may be recalled that the South Goa Collector had demolished 201 structures in September 2015.
