The residents of the fishing village of Cacra, Santa Cruz were reportedly left outraged after fire was allegedly set to four fishing canoes and fishing nets at the beach by unknown miscreants. The total loss due to the fire is estimated to be around Rs 7 lakh. The fishermen have strongly suspected it to be a case of arson and have filed a police complaint. This could be due to business rivalry or as a result of previous enmity. Incidentally this is the second such incident reported in the State, the first being when two fishing canoes were reduced to ashes at Benaulim last week. Police patrolling needs to be intensified along the beachfront to prevent such incidents in the future. The police need to investigate the fire incidents and book the culprits. The government needs to compensate the fishermen even in part for the loss incurred. It would be desirable for banks to provide interest-free loans for the affected fishermen in order to buy new fishing canoes and fishing gear. Fishermen should be provided with fire-fighting equipment and their boats and fishing equipment should be covered by insurance companies.
