VASCO
Opposing the expansion plans of the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA), a number of traditional fishing associations on Monday have pleaded with the government to de-notify the port limits immediately.
They have also appealed to the government not to support coal handling units seeking enhancement in coal cargo.
Speaking to reporters after a training workshop with fisherfolk of Mormugao Taluka organised by Living Earth Foundation, Olencio Simoes representing Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) said various fishing bodies have already challenged the expansion plans of companies handling coal at MPA.
“When steel plants are based in Karnataka and coal consumption is minimum in Goa, why should Goa be made a coal hub which will affect the entire state with pollution since coal is transported by rail and road. We request all the 4 MLAs of Mormugao Taluka and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant not to support the expansion but take a cabinet decision to drop the expansion plans," said Simoes.
"The port has become an authority and declared port limits across Goa where port laws will be applicable up to 5 nautical miles while their jurisdiction will up to 20 mtrs from high tide line.”
“This will displace the entire coastal communities and fishermen will have no right to venture in the sea depriving the livelihood and houses of many people. The Government must de-notify the port limits because Goa is a small state and much of the state will come under the port limits.”
"We have petitioned Union Fisheries Minister Purshottam Rupala in this matter,” added Simoes.
Old Cross Canoe Owners Cooperative Society President Custodio D'Souza said they had filed a case before the NGT against the MPA for dredging activity.
"The MPA was then caught on the wrong foot and we won the case. This time around, all traditional fishing associations have unitedly got together to file a case yet again against plans to enhance coal handling at MPA,” said D’Souza.
“We are sure that this time again, we will win the case and expansion plans will be scrapped but we urge all fishing societies across Goa to join hands with us to extend support to us in our fight against handling additional coal that will cause major pollution across Goa.”
“I also appeal to all Goans to awaken now because this is the time that we get together and fight against coal pollution and if required, we will request tourism stakeholders and taxi operators to stand with us and we urge them to join us fishermen who have started the fight against coal pollution," said D’Souza.
