VASCO
South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes and Goencho Raponkaracho Ekvott (GRE) on Thursday demanded the protection of Goa’s environment and livelihoods of the fisher communities.
Speaking to reporters on the occasion of the 76th birth anniversary of former minister late Matanhy Saldanha, Capt. Viriato criticized the government for creating an atmosphere of fear among citizens.
“Many people are upset and want to fight against the system, but they are scared the government will take revenge or harass them through the police,” said Capt. Viriato.
Fernandes also voiced his frustration with the Fisheries Department, accusing it of neglecting traditional fishermen.
“The department has divided the fishermen. Only 30% of the budget is allocated to traditional fishermen, with 70% going to cage farming and other ventures. The government wants to finish traditional fishermen, even though they represent the identity of Goa,” he said.
Highlighting broader concerns, Fernandes noted, “Goa has an identity of rivers, forests, greenery, and beaches. But the government has destroyed them. Expensive units are being built that Goans can’t afford. While Goans don’t have basic water supply, projects with multiple swimming pools are being built. Goans will be forced to migrate and leave their state,” the MP added.
GRE leader Olencio Simoes also voiced concerns about the future of Goa’s fishing community.
He emphasised that the community was carrying forward Matanhy Saldanha’s legacy, despite his demise 12 years ago.
“The struggle for fishermen’s rights started in 1973, with the establishment of the Marine Regulations Act, Coastal Regulation Zone, and the Goa Pollution Act, all thanks to the fight initiated by traditional fishermen,” said Simoes.
Simoes was particularly critical of illegal fishing practices.
“The government has failed to stop LED light fishing, bull trawling, and the intrusion of outside fishing boats in Goan waters. The Fisheries Department has no mechanism to act on illegal activities, and we fear that if this continues, there will be no fishermen left in the country.”
He also expressed concerns about the introduction of deep-sea fishing, warning that it could deplete fish stocks.
Simoes called on the government to take stronger action, and to uphold Matanhy Saldanha’s legacy.
“We request the government to extend the fishing ban and take concrete steps to ensure the protection of Goa’s environment and fishermen’s livelihoods,” he said.
