the goan I network
MARGAO
Beleaguered traditional fishermen from Velim, inhabiting the banks of river Sal along the Bapsora-Betul fishing belt, knocked the doors of the Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues seeking compensation and relief for the heavy losses they suffered on account of the adverse navigation conditions at the mouth of river Sal.
The fishermen also agreed to intervene in the petition pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in order to convey the hardships faced by the traditional fishermen in venturing out for fishing at the river mouth for want of a retaining wall.
The delegation of fishermen led by Vinay Tari drew attention of the Fisheries Minister to hardships faced by the fishermen operating small boats at the river mouth. They pointed out that navigation at the river Sal mouth has become difficult for boats of all dimensions because of the presence of huge rocks on one side and the sand bar at the right side of the river during low tides.
While urging the Fisheries Minister to resolve the issue with a permanent retaining wall at the river mouth, Tari explained that they did not experience such a situation over the years, which has denied them their livelihood.
“Provide us financial assistance as compensation and relief for the heavy losses suffered by us,” they demanded.
They pointed out though the government has set in motion the process of building the retaining wall at the river mouth, the structure has not taken concrete shape till date.
After giving the fishermen a patient hearing, the Fisheries Minister explained them the steps initiated by the government to dredge a small portion of the river Sal mouth to ensure smooth movement of fishing vessels.
He said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has cleared the file for temporary measures to take up dredging work, which will commence at the river mouth immediately, adding that the government is keen to take up the work on a war footing at a cost of Rs two crore.
On the long-delayed retaining wall mooted at the river Sal mouth, Filipe Neri said the matter is pending in the NGT, but hastened to add that the government is committed to impress upon the court to expedite hearing to avoid hardships faced by the fishermen.
“We will work out a solution without causing any damage to the eco-fragile area. We have to take up that project in the interest of the fishermen and the mechanized boat owners,” he added.
The fishermen also pointed out that boat owners will also file an intervention petition before the NGT to draw attention of the Tribunal how their traditional occupation and livelihood are being threatened every year because of the hostile navigation conditions triggered by the sand bar.
