MARGAO
The Betul bay has long been a rich marine habitat and an eco-sensitive zone, home to a variety of shellfish species such as clams, oysters, and mussels. In fact, clams from Betul”along with river fish”are highly sought after by seafood lovers across the Salcete region and the rest of Goa.
This season, however, has not been particularly favourable for traditional fishermen. The clam harvest has been disappointing, and fishermen attribute the decline largely to unseasonal rains.
But their worries now extend far beyond this year’s catch. A recent tender issued by the Mormugao Port Authority, inviting budgetary quotations from reputed consultancy firms for a preliminary feasibility report on developing a port at Betul, has left the fishing community deeply unsettled.
Fear and anxiety have gripped the traditional fishermen, who believe that the proposed Betul Port will displace them from their long-standing marine habitat and wipe out their livelihoods.
Fisherman Vasudev Kerkar was unequivocal in his opposition. He warned that the port would destroy both the fishing community and its habitat.
“Fishermen from Betul make a living through traditional methods such as canoes and cantaris (fishing nets). Betul bay is home to oysters, clams, and mussels. We depend heavily on harvesting these shellfish. We will be totally displaced,” he said.
Vasudev recalled that the Betul Port proposal had earlier been shelved when Quepem MLA Chandrakant Kavlekar served as Deputy Chief Minister. “We do not know how the project has been revived again. The proposed port will spell doom for traditional fishermen. Oil discharge and dust pollution will destroy the marine habitat.”
Another fisherman Lavu Kerkar echoed these concerns. He pointed out that the fishing community in Betul, which relies entirely on fishing for its livelihood, has no agricultural land to fall back on if displaced. “The Sagarmala project will finish us,” he stated.
Lavu added that the community had opposed the Betul Port project nearly a decade ago, particularly the plan for coal handling at the site. “Our livelihood is already at risk due to the shortage of clams and oysters caused by the rains. We do not want the port to destroy us altogether,” he said.
Boat owner Savio D’Silva, who operates from the Cutbona fishing jetty, voiced similar apprehensions. He alleged that the revival of the Betul Port project is aimed at facilitating coal transport and turning Betul into a coal hub. “This project is not for the benefit of traditional fishermen, but for crony capitalists. We will oppose it tooth and nail,” Savio declared.
