OLD GOA
The traditional fishermen from Caranzalem and Aivao have warned the State government not to start water sports activities on the beach as they said that their livelihood would be affected.
Further, the fishermen have threatened to block the beach channel if any further attempts are made by authorities to demarcate the beach area for water sports activities.
The threat comes against the backdrop of attempts made to demarcate water sports zones on Wednesday, which was halted by the fishermen.
Speaking on the occasion, Caranzalem Raponkaramcho Association President Francisco Vaz said water sports activities will finish the marine life and fish which is found in abundance at the Caranzalem beach.
“The Fisheries Department and Tourism Department tried to demarcate water sports zones at Caranzalem beach on Wednesday, which we stopped,” Vaz stated and warned that they will continue to do so if any further attempts are made by the authorities.
“Our livelihood is dependent on fishing on the beach and if water sports activities start here, then it will finish our livelihood,” Vaz informed and stated that they will meet the local MLA to help them in their fight.
Association secretary Manuel Po said the beach cannot be used for mechanised and commercial activity like water sports.
“We have been objecting since the past many years but now they are trying to bulldoze their way in demarcating the water sports zone in Caranzalem,” Po said and warned that they will not keep quiet if any such further attempts are made.
“This occupation has been going on for ages and should continue for future generations. If water sports is allowed then the fish will decline and will finish our traditional livelihood,” Po stated while further warning the powers that be not to take them lightly.
The fishermen also informed that since the past month there is a decline in the fish catch due to the water sports activities undertaken without their consent.
Aivao fisherfolk Anthony Vaz, Linda Pereira and others also spoke.
