MARGAO
In a midnight fire suspected to have been caused by fireworks, the traditional fishing gear (rampon) was destroyed in a major fire at the Betalbatim beach Wednesday night, causing an estimated loss of Rs 13 lakh.
Members of the local fishing community from Colva and Betalbatim have made an impassioned plea to the Fisheries Minister and Tourism Minister to provide relief to the beleaguered fisherman by way of compensation.
The incident is believed to have occurred at midnight when a group of tourists reportedly ushered in the New Year with fireworks. It is suspected that the fireworks landed on the fishing gear stacked on the beach before the net caught fire. Though the life guards rushed to the spot after spotting the fire along with fishermen, the net was totally destroyed in the inferno.
Affected fisherman Santu Fernandes told the media that he has sustained total loss of Rs 13 lakh in the incident. “The entire rampon (fishing net) has been destroyed in the fire. We have been informed that a group of tourists were celebrating New Year with fireworks,” he said, while making a plea to the government to compensate him for the loss.
Colva-based fisherman Domingo Rodrigues told the media that the Tourism Minister and the Fisheries Minister should provide compensation to the affected fisherman. “We have no objection to the tourism or tourists celebrating New Year or festivals on the beach. But, the government should offer relief to the local fishermen in times of such incidents,” he said.
Against the backdrop of the traditional fishermen anchoring their fishing vessels and nets on the beach after fishing, Domingo said the government should come out with a compensation for fishermen in time of disaster.
