MARGAO
Traditional fishermen from Velim village are up in arms against excessive fishing and nuisance caused to the local populace by fishing enthusiasts near the mouth of river Sal at Betul.
The traditional fishermen pointed out that they eke a living on the fishing activity, primarily centred on catching the river fish as well as shell fish. “When so many fishing enthusiasts come and indulge in fishing on the banks of the river near the mouth, it affects our routine fishing activities. This is our only source of livelihood and hence the traditional fishermen should have free access to fishing in the river,” the locals said.
What has further agitated the traditional fishermen is that the fish enthusiasts cause nuisance in the area by consuming liquor and coming in groups. “We have come across liquor bottles strewn around the river banks by these outsiders. Many of them come here with girls and leave the area only late nights. This has to be stopped immediately,” they demanded.
In fact, a delegation of traditional fishermen have now decided to call on the Cuncolim police with a plea to deploy a policeman late in the evenings to ensure the fishing enthusiasts are not allowed to stay at the area beyond prescribed time.
