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Simoes also demanded to rehabilitate the 61 traditional fishermen at Baina before demolishing their structures.
He was addressing a news conference in the presence of Baina Ramponkar & Fishing Canoe Owners’ Society general secretary Sajit Shaik, Desterro Fishermen Association president Domingo Mendes, Old Cross Fishing Canoe Owners Co-operative Society Ltd president Custodio D’Souza and Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum president Andrew Alvares.
Simoes said dumping tetrapods and constructing flood protection walls is anti-fishermen and anti-environment, as it will further deteriorate the coastline and will lead to more destruction of the coast then doing good.
“Coastal ecosystem store and cycle nutrients filter pollutants from inland fresh water system and also help to protect shorelines from erosion and storm. Salt marsh support a diversity of plants, animals and insects crucial to the food chain of the beach eco-system,” said Simoes.
Simoes added that concretising of the coast will increase vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclones, tsunamis and climate change due to destruction of sand bars and sand dunes.
Sajit Sheik of Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners’ Society said dumping tetrapods and constructing protection wall at Katem-Baina beach and at other beaches will hamper fishing activities, as they will not be able to pull up their canoes and store nets.
Andrew Alvares of Mormugao Vasco Citizens’ Forum said the Forum is supporting the GRE and three associations from Baina, Desterro and Khariwada and is against government’s proposal of dumping tetrapods and construction of protection walls at Katem-Baina, Desterro and Khariwada beaches.
Alvares urged the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to act swiftly on the complaint filed by the Forum against concrete construction that is being carried out by GTDC in the No Development Zone and in violation of CRZ notification 2011 at Baina beach. As a mark of protest, Simoes said all the three fishermen associations in association with Mormugao Vasco Citizens Forum will organise a silent rally from Baina on September 12 at 9 am and submit a memorandum to the Mormugao Collector.
Simoes said Vasco and Baina fish markets will remain close in the morning as fish vendors will also participate in the rally.
