MAPUSA
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has called on stakeholders and traders in the fishing industry to resolve their differences to allow the State government to provide necessary facilities at various jetties.
Halarnkar emphasised that internal conflicts among different groups operating at the jetties are hindering the development works initiated by the government.
Ongoing conflicts and development delays: Highlighting the issues at specific locations, Halarnkar mentioned that at Cutbona jetty, a work order was issued following a successful tender process. However, local opposition led to a stay on the work through the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
In Panaji, while work on one jetty is progressing, another has been re-tendered due to similar disruptions. Chapora has also seen development delays, with the forest department halting projects undertaken by the fisheries department.
“In many places, due to technical reasons like CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) regulations, different departments such as forest and CRZ clash, and therefore works get held up,” Halarnkar explained.
Govt's commitment to infra development: Despite these challenges, Halarnkar affirmed the government’s commitment to building infrastructure tailored to the stakeholders' needs. "The government goes out of its way to build infrastructure the way the stakeholders want it," he said, noting that facilities like ice plants are handed back to the stakeholders after completion.
Halarnkar pointed out that other essential amenities, including water and toilets, have been adequately provided at the jetties. However, he lamented that these facilities often get damaged or misused, particularly public toilets.
Call for cooperation: The minister's remarks underscore the need for unity among the various groups in the fishing industry to ensure the smooth execution of development projects.
By addressing internal conflicts and cooperating with government initiatives, stakeholders can significantly improve the infrastructure and operational efficiency at Goa's jetties, ultimately benefiting the entire fishing community.
