PANAJI
Traditional fishermen/ramponkars from Caranzalem on Wednesday met officials of the Directorate of Fisheries raising their strong objections to Goa University’s scientific report alleging the presence of heavy metals in fish caught off Caranzalem beach, claiming the report has severely impacted their livelihood.
Following the concern raised by the fishermen, the Fisheries Department has written to the Goa University, to refrain from publishing “sensitive” reports in the newspaper without prior approval of the government.
“Such publication may create unnecessary panic among fishermen and the general public,” Director Fisheries Chandrakant Velip said in the communication.
Earlier in the day, the fishermen said their daily business has been hit as consumers have stopped buying fish following reports of contamination. They questioned the credibility of the GU report and demanded a proper and transparent investigation to identify the source of any contamination, if it exists.
The fishermen delegation demanded that experts from Goa University and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) clarify within three days whether fish caught off Caranzalem is safe for human consumption. The fishermen also asked that the alleged report be made public.
The ramponkars also questioned why fish from Caranzalem alone was singled out, while fish caught along other parts of Goa’s coastline were not mentioned. “If there is contamination, it cannot be limited to one stretch of the coast,” they said, seeking clarity on the basis of the findings.
According to them, officials from the Fisheries Department informed the delegation that the department was not aware of any such report, further raising doubts about its authenticity.
Terming the report “false and misleading”, the fishermen demanded an apology from those responsible for circulating it. They also alleged that vested interests, including a powerful builder lobby, were attempting to undermine traditional fishing communities, pointing to proposed hotel and real estate projects along the Caranzalem beach belt.
Warning of escalation, the ramponkars said they would launch a State-wide agitation if their concerns are not addressed. They also announced plans to approach the High Court and file a criminal case against those responsible for the report, alleging it has caused economic loss and damaged the reputation of the fishing community.
