MARGAO
Beleaguered traditional fishermen from Colva had in the recent past highlighted their plight before BJP Chief Ministers, Manohar Parrikar and Pramod Sawant with a plea to rehabilitate them to pursue their fishing activities on the tourism-acquired property.
After returning to power in 2012, former Chief Minister late Manohar Parrikar along with then Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado and then Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva had descended at the tourism-acquired property for an interaction with the traditional fishermen.
Incumbent Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made his presence felt at the property in the run up to the campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha election for an interaction with the fishermen.
During the interaction with former CM Manohar Parrikar, the fishermen made a humble plea to him to save their livelihoods and their traditional occupation. Moved by the plight of the fishermen, Parrikar had told them not to worry, even telling them to continue their activities on the land.
In fact, fisherwoman Alice Fernandes recalled the help and support extended by late Parrikar when they had knocked on his door at Altinho. “CM Parrikar told us to continue our activities. He had even put up a note to ensure the activities of fishermen are not disturbed by the Tourism Department,” Alice recalled.
Fatima Goes echoed similar sentiments by saying that former CM Parrikar had given them a categorical assurance that the fishermen will not be displaced from their place of occupation.
Another fisherwoman Luiza Rodrigues pointed out that when late Parrikar had visited Colva, he was categorical in handing out assurance that not a single hut will be razed down.
