the goan I network
MARGAO
The River Sal course, along the riverine villages of Assolna, Ambelim and Cutbona, had been a rich habitat of different species of shell fish, be it mussels, oysters, etc.
It’s not uncommon to find people from far and wide descending at Assolna in search of fresh water fish, including shevttes, muddoshis, etc round the year in the local fish market.
In fact, one would come across a fleet of country-made canoes anchored along the river course as one travels from Assolna to Ambelim and Cutbona. And, not to mention the fishing stakes floating in the River Sal, indicating that the Assolna-Ambelim-Cutbona region is the rich source of river fish, including the shell fish.
Sadly, this rich fishing habitat does not find mention in the controversial Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). And, to add insult to injury, the plan is silent on the fishing areas in these three villages, leaving the local fishing communities to wonder about the very status of their traditional occupation.
When social activist Abhijit Prabhudesai made separate Powerpoint presentation to the traditional fishermen of Assolna-Ambelim and Cutbona, they were shocked to learn that their fishing areas did not find any favour with the Chennai-based, engaged by the government to prepare the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). Their fears were all genuine when they have all grown up on the banks of River Sal and eking a living on the fishing occupation over the decades.
That’s not all. The entire Assolna-Ambelim-Cutbona belt is dotting with the Ogors, the traditional water ponds, but they too find no mention in the controversial plan.
Says Abhijit Prabhudesai: “The CZMP has no cheers for the traditional fishermen inhabiting the riverine villages of Assolna-Ambelim-Cutbona. The reason is simple. The fishing activities of these fishermen in the river are not reflected in the plan. And, nor are the fishing areas shown in the plan.”
Abhijit said the Ogors (traditional water ponds), which have been a rich source of fish for the traditional fishermen also finds no mention in the plan. “If the CZMP is accepted in its present form, all these traditional fishing communities will be displaced from their habitat,” he said.
What’s more, while the controversial plan has no mention of the fishing areas in these riverine villages, their houses are all shown within the CRZ, a fact that has left the fishermen disturbed.
Abhijit further pointed out that CZMP has also included parts of Baradi and Tolleacanto areas in Velim village, mostly the fields in the CRZ areas. The areas of Baradi and Tolleacanto are away from the riverine belt, leaving the local residents a surprised lot.
Assolna village Sarpanch Xavier Almeida said the discrepancies only goes to show that the CZMP is fault and a fraud on the people. “How can the plan remain silent on the fishing areas of Assolna when people from far and wide visit the village for fresh water fish and shell fish,” Xavier questioned.
A resident of Assolna Manu Cardozo, said the entire belt, right from Assolna to Velim and Betul is being inhabited by the traditional fishermen.
