PANAJI
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao raised concerns about illegal bars operating at fishing jetties in Goa. Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, provided detailed answers to the questions posed.
Halarnkar confirmed that the Fisheries Department is not aware of any illegal bars operating within the premises of fishing jetties at Malim, Khariwada, Cortalim, Talpona, and Chapora. However, he noted that there are four legal bars at the Cutbona jetty, as reported by the Excise Inspector in Salcete.
To manage the entry of vehicles carrying liquor to unauthorized bars and liquor shops at fishing jetties, the Fisheries Department has security measures in place. At the Cutbona jetty, security personnel are deployed, and the Mandovi Fishermen Marketing Co-operative Society has provided additional security at the Malim jetty. These measures are intended to check for unauthorized vehicle entry.
The minister addressed concerns about the smuggling of liquor through fishing trawlers and boats coming from outside Goa. He stated that, to date, there have been no reports of such smuggling activities.
Regarding surveillance, the Fisheries Department plans to install CCTV cameras at fishing jetties. This move aims to monitor vehicle movement and prevent unauthorized access, including vehicles transporting liquor. The timeline for implementing this surveillance system has not been specified yet.
The Minister also said that the Fisheries Department is responsible for the safety and security of fishing jetties. Security personnel are currently deployed at key locations, such as Cutbona and Malim. There are also discussions about possibly introducing an entry pass system to further control access to these jetties. The timeline for these additional measures will be announced in due course.
