VASCO
Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Sarpanch Henriques P D'Mello along with the villagers and traditional fishermen have objected to the Centre's plan to come up with a blue-flag project at Velsao beach.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said the project can be undertaken if traditional fishermen are not affected.
On Thursday, a presentation was held in Velsao Panchayat hall by the project consultant of the blue flag project to all fishermen and panchayat members in the presence of Saldanha. However, the presentation by the project consultant did not appeal to the traditional fishermen and they objected to the plan.
According to project consultant Sanjay Jalla, blue flag project will upgrade the beach to international standards, which would attract higher income tourists. He added the project entails control of pollution and putting the beach which as the best on the world map.
"We noticed fishing boats are anchored all along the length of the beach. These could be anchored on one side like in a fishing bay. We understand this is is not possible as they have a traditional way of doing things which is different from other parts of the country. We will now work our project fitting into the existing setup," said Jalla.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues said "We had a discussion and we realise that we will be finished if the project comes up. Velsao beach is only 2.2 km and 2,500 fishing families live here. There is no scope to shift to any corner," said Rodrigues. Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Sarpanch Henriques P D'Mello said he is also opposed to the project.
Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Sarpanch Henriques P D'Mello along with the villagers and traditional fishermen have objected to the Centre's plan to come up with a blue-flag project at Velsao beach.
Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said the project can be undertaken if traditional fishermen are not affected.
On Thursday, a presentation was held in Velsao Panchayat hall by the project consultant of the blue flag project to all fishermen and panchayat members in the presence of Saldanha. However, the presentation by the project consultant did not appeal to the traditional fishermen and they objected to the plan.
According to project consultant Sanjay Jalla, blue flag project will upgrade the beach to international standards, which would attract higher income tourists. He added the project entails control of pollution and putting the beach which as the best on the world map.
"We noticed fishing boats are anchored all along the length of the beach. These could be anchored on one side like in a fishing bay. We understand this is is not possible as they have a traditional way of doing things which is different from other parts of the country. We will now work our project fitting into the existing setup," said Jalla.
GRE President Agnelo Rodrigues said "We had a discussion and we realise that we will be finished if the project comes up. Velsao beach is only 2.2 km and 2,500 fishing families live here. There is no scope to shift to any corner," said Rodrigues. Velsao-Pale-Issorcim Sarpanch Henriques P D'Mello said he is also opposed to the project.
