PANJIM: Voicing their opposition to the government’s plans to establish a marina project at Nauxim, Bambolim as part of the Sagarmala initiative, Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE), other traditional fishermen associations and activists, said that they are dedicated in their commitment to resist any such projects that will harm the State.
The fishermen said that the government’s insistence on pursuing such projects is a threat to the livelihood of the local fishermen. Given Goa’s relatively small size, they requested the government not to introduce such projects in the region.
“There is unrest in all villages because of the marina projects as somebody wants lands that are eco-sensitive and you cannot construct the same in eco-sensitive areas. How are these marina projects coming up? Who will benefit from them? Goa, being a small State, has already exceeded its carrying capacity,” said Alina Saldanha, former minister.
Pointing to the findings of National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Old Goa, GRE General Secretary Olencio Simoes said, “The entire Zuari Estuary in which Nauxim Bay is situated is rich in marine biodiversity, comprising over 186 aquatic species and other coastal ecosystems and the projects will displace traditional fishermen right from Velsao to Miramar.”
“The projects that are coming up are not for the wellbeing of Goa. Even the NIO scientists have said that Nauxim Bay is a biodiversity hotspot, yet the government is bringing the marina project against the fishermen’s wishes. This marina will not be beneficial,” said Simoes.