The Bombay High Court at Goa has asked the Union government to “favourably consider” the proposal of the State government to procure 12 patrol boats for the coastal police and the fisheries department to keep a check on illegal fishing.
On Wednesday, when the matter came up for hearing the standing counsel for the Central government on instructions stated that the Centre requires about four weeks time to consider the proposal forwarded by the State government regarding the purchase of 12 petrol vessels for the fisheries department and coastal police.
“As observed in our earlier orders, there is a dire necessity of such vessels if the coastal area and activities therein are to be effectively monitored and protected. Therefore, we urge the Central Government to favourably consider the proposal of the State government and to take a decision on such proposals as early as possible...We are inclined to grant the same with the understanding that some decision will be taken on the State government’s proposal within this four weeks period,” the High Court bench of Justices MS Sonak and Bharat Deshpande ruled.
The High Court has also asked the state government to explain the ‘paltry’ fines it has imposed on those fishing vessels that have violated provisions of the act and were let off with a fine of Rs 5,000.
According to Norma Alvares, advocate for the the petitioners, Section 11 of the Goa Marine Fishing Regulations Act, 1980 and the Rules of 1982 Section 21 refers to a penalty not exceeding Rs 5,000, if the value of the fish involved is Rs 1,000 or less; or five times the value of the fish, if the value of the fish involved is more than Rs 1,000.
“By the next date, the Directorate of Fisheries will file further affidavits on the status of implementation and this aspect of imposition of fines,” the High Court ruled.
