MARGAO
Ahead of the joint inspection of the river Sal, the traditional fishermen have asked the Captain of Ports for copies of all hydrographic studies, hydrographic charts and other records of the depth of the existing bed of the river of the last 25 years.
While the joint inspection of the river by members of the traditional fishermen and officials of the Captain of Ports is expected to take place later this week, the fishermen under the banner of AVCB Traditional Fishermen Association have called for records from the Captain of Ports to shed light on the state of the river 25 years ago.
In his letter, Association president Agostinho Furtado has also called for the records from the Captain of Ports with regards to river Sal pertaining to the mudflats, fish breeding grounds, fishing areas and areas used by the fisherfolk for canoe parking, net drying, etc.
The fishermen have also sought to know whether any requests were received for the desilting of the river and called for the tender documents, including the scope of works, work order, all environmental and socio-economic studies, plans and drawings, etc.
“The fishermen have basically asked for the documents pertaining to the period around 25 years ago so as to compare the depth of the river then and now. The CoP has decided to dredge the river to three metres depth. We would like to know the state of the river now and 25 years ago. This would help us to understand the issue better,” informed Cruz Silva, a member of the Association.
He said that the fishermen will study the issue carefully and hence has called for records.
In the meantime, he said the fishermen will participate in the joint inspection of the river sometime later this week to get the factual ground reality as the same will help them in carrying out the study of the situation.
