The Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott, with other traditional fishermen associations and activists, have strongly voiced their opposition to the government’s plans to establish a Marina project as part of the Sagarmala initiative. They are dedicated in their commitment to resist any such Sagarmala projects that could harm the state.
“There is unrest in all villages because of the marina projects as somebody wants lands that are eco-sensitive, you cannot construct 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 Ex-Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha.
GRE Gen Sec. Olencio Simoes pointed to the findings of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Old Goa stated that the entire Zuari estuary in which Nauxim Bay is situated is rich in marine Biodiversity, consisting of more than 186 aquatic species and other coastal ecosystems and 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 Projects against the wishes of the fishermen. This Marina will not be beneficial,” said Simoes.
They stated that the government’s insistence on pursuing such projects is a threat to the livelihoods of the local fishermen. Given Goa’s relatively small size, they requested the government not to introduce such projects in the region.