Colva fishermen seek CM’s intervention for protection from being displaced

MARGAO
When Chief Minister Pramod Sawant descended at Colva beach on Sunday evening for an interaction with local stakeholders as part of Mission Salcete ahead of the May 7 Lok Sabha poll, local traditional fishermen had one plea to make – protect the fishermen from displacement by the Tourism department .

For Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, the demand by the fishermen may be something new, having come across the request from the fishermen perhaps for the first time. The Chief Minister was quick to promise the beleaguered fishermen that he would definitely look into the legal aspects and try to give the local fishing community some relief.

Sadly, former BJP Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had made a similar promise to the Colva fishermen that his government would protect their interests. When Parrikar along with then Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado and then Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva had descended at Colva over a decade ago, Parrikar had given a clear assurance to the fishermen that their livelihood would not be disturbed by the government.

The local fishermen had a couple of huts in the property acquired by the Tourism department which they use to store fishing nets and salt for drying fish. Attempts made by the Tourism department to clear the “encroachments” from the acquired property had met with stiff resistance, prompting successive governments to beat a hasty retreat.

A permanent solution, however, seemed to have eluded the issue so far. In fact, when the Chief Minister descended at Colva beach, the local fishermen aired their grievances before him, including the long-pending demand of allotting them space in the Tourism property to carry out their fishing activities. “We use the space to dry fish and to store salt and fishing nets. We have been demanding space for our fishing activities,” fisherwoman Liberata Fernandes briefed the Chief Minister.

After giving the fishermen a patient hearing, the Chief Minister later told the media that the fishermen brought to his notice their long pending issue of space for the storage of their fishing nets and salt in the Tourism property. “We will certainly explore the official and legal measures how best to meet the demands of the fishermen,” he said.

He added: “I have come to Colva to hear the grievances of the local stakeholders. The local fishermen have a number of issues. I have heard their issues, including CRZ. The government will notify the CRZ 2019. We will give relief to the fishermen concerning renewal of their leases.”