MARGAO
Saying that the Fisheries Department will protect the fishing huts existing in the Tourism Department properties, Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has said the government is also studying the demand of the Benaulim fishermen to allocate land admeasuring 5,000 square metres of the defunct prawn hatchery to pursue fishing occupation.
While addressing the National Fish Farmers Day at Curtorim, the Minister said he has acted on the request made by Benaulim fisherman Pele Fernandes to save the fishermen’s huts in North and South Goa from demolition. “After the fishermen delegation led by Pele and others approached me, we have decided to protect the huts from demolition,” he added.
On the demand made by the Benaulim fishermen for allocation of land at the defunct Benaulim hatchery, the Minister said the department will take a call after looking into all aspects, including the financial aspects. He, however, said the interests of fishermen needs to be protected in view of the climatic change and other issues plaguing the fisheries sector.
