VASCO
The National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) has appealed to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) constituted by the Supreme Court to save the traditional fishing community by scrapping all the three linear projects in the State.
In a press release, the NFF stated that the Coastal Economic Zone (CEZ) plans for Goa would displace thousands of fishermen from their traditional livelihood.
“Since 2016, the fishermen from Goa have opposed all Sagarmala projects like Deepening of Approach Channel of Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) for Capesize Vessels, redevelopment of berths 8, 9 and barge berth at MPT and finger pier jetty at Vasco bay, which is detrimental to 10,000 fishermen in Mormugao taluka itself,” stated NFF Vice Chairperson Olencio Simoes.
“The Sagarmala plans more than 25 destructive projects like 9 mini jetties, 4 lane road, doubling of tracks, 400kv line, etc, which will not only displace fishermen of Goa but will destroy the entire fragile environment of Goa.”
Simoes claimed that the government had diluted several environmental laws to implement Sagarmala plans in Goa.
“The Inland Waterways Authority of India Act, 1985 was amended and 6 rivers at Chapora, Cumbharjua, Mandovi, Mapusa, Sal and Zuari were nationalised under the National Waterways Act 2016.”
“Despite objections from the fishing community across India, the CRZ Notification 2011 was replaced with the CRZ Notification 2019, while the Major Port Trusts Act of 1963 was replaced with the Major Port Authorities Bill 2020.”
“The fishing community has appealed to the CEC to scrap the three liner projects as this will only facilitate the Sagarmala plans, which are destructive and will eventually turn Goa into a coal transportation hub,” said Simoes.
