The Directorate of Fisheries on Monday unveiled several schemes and infrastructure projects for the fishing community during the Seva Pakwada celebrations at Ravindra Bhavan, Baina. Subsidies, sanction letters, and equipment were handed to beneficiaries in the presence of Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, and Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar.
The programme included the release of subsidies under the Financial Assistance for Purchase of Fuel (Petrol) for Operation of Outboard Motor scheme, the launch of the Online Fishermen Portal, the virtual laying of the foundation stone for a Sulabh Souchalaya at Kharewado fishing jetty, and the announcement of 300 solar street lights for the Desterro“Baina beach stretch. Forty fishermen received sanction letters for schemes such as aid for gill nets, insulated boxes, vessel registration, insulated vehicles, and fuel purchase. Safety gear, including transponders, life jackets, and life buoys, was also distributed, and fishermen involved in collecting discarded nets were felicitated.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar said the initiative was part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 75th birthday celebrations. “This is not specific to any political party but is for the benefit of the general public under the vision of Vikasit Bharat, where every department reaches out to the people and addresses their issues,” he said.
On long-pending demands, Halarnkar highlighted the challenges at Kharewado jetty. “The jetty is under the jurisdiction of the Mormugao Port Authority and any work requires their NOC. We also face a very short working window since we only get two months during the monsoon fishing ban period to execute projects,” he said. “For the rest of the year, fishing activity continues, which makes it impossible to take up heavy works. Even during the ban, the tendering process, approvals and sanctions consume time, and the government cannot spend a single rupee without following due procedure. Despite this, we are already spending Rs 44 lakh every year on repairs and maintenance of the jetty. Now, we have obtained approvals for the extension and for a floating jetty, and both works will be implemented.”
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar expressed gratitude for the schemes and facilities. “The project for 300 solar street lights from Desterro to Baina has been launched, and a net-bending shed and landing ramps have also been sanctioned. The biggest problem faced by fishermen for years was parking their canoes at faraway locations. That project has now been taken up by the WRD, the tender has already gone for financial and administrative approval, and will soon be finalised.”
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar said, “The fisheries department has already provided many fishermen with transponders, insulated boxes and other equipment. Today, we also saw the sanction of a Sulabh Souchalaya at Kharewado jetty, a project worth Rs 77 lakh. We have always demanded a floating jetty for traditional fishermen, and the minister has assured us that this project will begin within the next three months.”
