MARGAO
Fisheries Department came under the scanner of the inspection team as the unused and scrap vessels lay anchored at the Cutbona fishing jetty, offering a perfect breeding ground for vector borne diseases.
As questions were raised by the inspection team headed by Deputy Collector, Margao, Ganesh Barve over the scrap vessels anchored at the jetty, Velim MLA Cruz Silva said the non-functional boats are all lying at the jetty with the owners paying fine of Rs 5,000 to the Fisheries Department.
Holding the Fisheries Department responsible for the presence of the scrap vessels at the 222 metre extending portion of the jetty for half a decade now, the Velim MLA said, “The Fisheries Director had issued a notice to owners of these boats to remove the vessels from the jetty. Since the owners have not removed the vessels, each of these owners have been imposed fine of Rs 5,000. What is important is that the scrap vessels are all towed away, which the Fisheries Department has failed to do till date,” he said.
Cruz said the scrap vessels anchored at the Cutbona fishing jetty has been converted into “boat guest houses” with the migrant workers taking shelter in the vessels sans hygiene and sanitation.
He urged the Deputy Collector to issue directions to the Fisheries Department to clear the jetty of the junk vessels and the scrap lying on the 222 metre new jetty.
