MLA promises to speak to Chief Minister
the goan I network
VASCO
Naik told the GRE members that he was helpless as the houses are under CRZ and also that the case is pending in the High Court, the hearing of which is scheduled on Monday. “However, I will speak to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in this regard and try to do my best to help you,” Naik said.
GRE general secretary Olencio Simoes along with the members of Baina Ramponkar and Fishing Canoe Owners’ Society submitted a memorandum to Naik requesting him to rehabilitate/regularize all the affected 69 fishermen houses at Katem-Baina.
Simoes informed the MLA that the fishing community at Baina are traditional fishermen and had been living prior to Independence and CRZ regulations in 1991/2011 could come into force.
“As per the CRZ Act, all the dwelling units of the traditional coastal communities including fisher folk and tribals were permissible under the provisions of the CRZ notification 1991. Those who have not obtained formal approval from authorities concerned shall be considered by the respective union territory CZMAs and the dwelling units shall be regularized under the Act,” he said.
Simoes further said in 2008, the Directorate of Fisheries and Goa government had initiated a proposal for rehabilitation/relocation of the structures at Katem-Baina beach on the land belonging to the PWD near sewerage treatment plant at Katem.
GRE president Agnelo Rodrigues said the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) was constituted in 1991 with a view to ensure livelihood security to the fishing community and other local communities living along the coast, to conserve and protect coastal stretches, its unique environment and its marine area and to promote development through sustainable manner.
Responding to the queries raised by the GRE, MLA Naik said he will do his best to save the fishermen’s houses and take up the issue with the chief minister.
“As far as houses are under CRZ and the case is pending before the High Court, the hearing of which is scheduled on Monday, I cannot do anything. However, I will talk to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in this regard and do my best to help you,” said Naik.
All eyes are now on the High Court hearing on Monday and on what the Chief Minister can do to help the fisherfolk who houses are on Baina coast.
