THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO
The fisheries department-owned fishing jetty was shut down for all fishing activities with the police manning the entry point to the place for the first time since the ban on fishing activities came into force from April 2.
President of the Cutbona Boat Owners Union Savio D’Silva, however, has pooh-poohed the action initiated by the Fisheries Department and the Goa police, saying that fish landing is now taking place along the Cutbona river front. He also said that the government was allowing landing of fish for selective boat owners who are close to the powers that be.
Tuesday morning saw the police closing down the road leading to the fishing jetty in a bid to enforce the directions of the Fisheries Director, Dr Shamila Monteiro to stop all fishing activities at the jetty from April 2. The police did not allow any vehicles to enter the jetty, while noting down the registration number of two-wheelers, which were allowed to enter the area.
The jetty wore a deserted look with most of the fishing vessels found anchored in the river Sal. There was not much movement at the jetty, which had witnessed hectic activity despite the Fisheries Director’s order.
D’Silva, who was arrested by the Cuncolim police early Monday morning for stopping a fish transporting truck, said the government and the police are not serious in enforcing the lockdown.
“Only those close to the powers that be are allowed to operate. Though the road leading to the fishing jetty was shut, the internal roads were open which gave access to some of the landing points away from the jetty,” Savio added.
