PANAJI
In a major setback to the Goa government, the Centre has turned down the State’s proposal to procure 12 fast interceptor boats under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampad Yojana (PMMSY), dealing a blow to efforts aimed at curbing illegal and LED fishing activities along Goa’s coastline and territorial waters. The State, meanwhile received a whopping 110 complaints of LED fishing between June to December 2025.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar told the House on Thursday that the government had proposed to procure 12 fast interceptor boats under PMMSY -- five for the Fisheries Department and seven for the Coastal Police. “However, the said proposal was not considered by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India,” he said.
Halarnkar said the government has approved procurement of two 15M fast patrol boats at an estimated cost of Rs 6.29 cr. One boat has been ordered from M/s Chowgule Fiberglass Ships Pvt at Rs 3.23 crore, with delivery due in 270 days. “The second boat will be purchased in the next financial year,” he said.
The Minister said that as per the information provided by the coastal police, they currently operate one 15M FIB boat for continuous patrolling along the coastline.
He further said that from June to December 2025, total of 110 complaints of illegal fishing and LED fishing were received and necessary action has been initiated in regards to all.
Halarnkar said that the long-awaited proposal for forming an enforcement wing has been sent to the Finance Department and is currently under assessment. “We are also working on the proposal towards amending Goa Marine Fishing Regulation Act 1980 and Rule 1982 to prohibit the carriage or use of diesel generator sets aboard mechanized fishing vessels and strengthen penalties for violation,” he said.
Replying to the question tabled by MLA Sankalp Amonkar, the Minister said that the Department conducts checking of all fishing vessels arriving at or departing from all fishing jetties and issues fishing pass. “Directions are issued to Department officials to inspect all fishing vessels at the jetties along with the Coastal Police,” he maintained.
