the goan I network
VASCO
Insisting that the government must take the fishing community into confidence while deciding on projects like the marina and blue flag certification, former minister and Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association president Jose Philip D’Souza on Saturday voiced his opposition to the proposed marina at Nauxim
Bay.
D’Souza appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to convene a joint meeting with the fishing community before the public hearing is taken up on the proposed marina project at Nauxim. “These projects will create major issues to fishermen who earn their livelihood through their fishing activity. Both the marina and blue flag are considered development projects but these projects pose a threat to fishermen and are hence, are being opposed as anti-fishermen
projects.”
“While the marina could affect fish availability, the blue flag certification could make beaches, rivers and bays as private or government property denying any rights to fishermen in the area. When the government decides on such projects, they must take stakeholders like the fishing community into confidence. If a meeting is conducted with fishing bodies prior to announcing such projects, they could probably place their fears, difficulties objections and suggestions before the government.”
Stating that he has faith in Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, D’Souza has appealed to the chief minister to immediately convene a joint meeting with all fishing bodies in Goa and address their issues, before going ahead with the projects. “As far as the Goa State Pollution Control Board hearing is concerned, I request Sawant to postpone the public hearing on the proposed marina till a meeting with fishermen is taken up
by the government,” said D’Souza.
