the goan I network
VASCO
Claiming that Centre’s approval of the Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) notification 2018 would destroy the livelihood of traditional fishermen in Goa, the Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) has threatened to protest on the streets if the CRZ notification is not withdrawn.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes said CRZ Notification 2018 passed by the union cabinet and chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a blatant violation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 under which the CRZ Notification was enacted to ensure security to the fishing communities in the coastal areas.
“The Goa Coastal Zone Management plan (CZMP) has not been finalized as per National Green Tribunal (NGT) order, but still the central government has gone ahead and approved the notification even after sending over 1 lakh objections from all coastal states to the draft CRZ notification 2018.”
“The CRZ 2018 will be the end of traditional fishermen of Goa, as 105 kms of Goa’s coastline used as landing sites and parking of canoes will be reduced to 50 mtrs and 20 mtrs subsequently. This means the entire coastline will have concrete structures upto 50 mtrs and 20 mtrs of High Tide Line (HTL) and we will lose all our sandy beaches. Already, 20% or 25 kms of Goa’s 105-km coastline has already been affected by erosion and now the rest will be completely eroded too,” said Simoes.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues said the CRZ 2018 would not only displace fishermen but would also destroy tourism.
“Tourist will not able to see sandy beaches and shack owners will not have place to erect their shacks. The state and the central government has systematically planned to eliminate fishermen and destroy tourism of Goa only to facilitate Sagarmala plans in Goa. State’s coastline, rivers, beaches etc are been destroyed only to make Goa a coal hub and to transport coal to neighbouring states. If the CRZ 2018 is not withdrawn, we will be forced to come on the streets,” said Rodrigues.
