MARGAO
The Rachol Panchayat has knocked on the doors of the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority to complain against what it termed as illegal parking of fishing vessels and labour issues at Ilha de Rachol in violation of CRZ norms.
A delegation led by Sarpanch Joseph Vaz submitted a memorandum to CRZ officials, drawing their attention to the issue affecting the village of Rachol. The delegation pointed out that trawler and boat owners are allegedly parking their fishing vessels illegally in front of the chapel and football ground at Ilha de Rachol, causing damage to the protective and retaining wall constructed by the Village Panchayat Rachol.
Saying this activity is likely violating CRZ norms and regulations, the memorandum stated that this illegal parking not only damages the infrastructure but also blocks fishing activities and the movement of local fishermen’s vessels. “The labourers associated with these vessels are causing hardship to the local residents, engaging in open defecation on the bundh, and posing a significant health risk. There is a strong likelihood that these labourers are carriers of diseases like dengue fever, which could spread to the villagers and cause a major health crisis,” the memorandum added.
Saying the presence of these labourers and the unsanitary conditions they create are detrimental to the health and well-being of the local community, the Panchayat has urged the CRZ officials to ensure the vessels are parked in designated areas and the labourers are provided with proper facilities.
“Additionally, measures should be taken to prevent open defecation, maintain cleanliness in the area, and conduct health screenings for the migrant labourers to prevent the spread of diseases,” the memorandum added.
