VASCO
Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) members along with other villagers on Friday morning claimed that the flooding at the creek, known as Poim, was due to ongoing railway works.
Speaking to reporters, GRE president Angelo Rodrigues said false news was being spread that the fishing association and local leaders were trying to play politics.
"This Poim has been our livelihood and we have taken good care of this water body. Some are trying to target our leader, who is also a part of the National Fishworkers Forum, by saying that we tried to stop them from opening the mouth of the creek. We state that this flooding of the Poim is because the Railways has blocked access of the water in the creek," said Rodrigues.
"This flooding usually happens in the rains and some people are trying to help the Railways by opening the mouth of the creek, but we did not want to do it because we can catch fish in these waters and if the mouth is opened, all the fish will go into the sea.”
"As far as the GRE is concerned, we have certain rules and regulations which are applicable to all members and we will take action against people not following the rules. We Ramponkars stop all fishing activities and celebrate Mass on the first Thursday of every month and all members participate. If some person skips this function and goes fishing, we are bound to act against him," said Rodrigues.
Former panch Camilo Souza also spoke on the occasion.
