Vedanta to put 254 mining trucks per hour on Bicholim Public roads?

 From:

Ramesh S. Gauns

Pajwada, Bicholim,

Goa

M: 9270085105

Date: 25 April 2024

To,

Director of Mines and Geology,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: use of public roads, village roads, district roads for mining transportation...regarding 

Sir,

It has come to our attention that your office is about to provide opinion to the Honorable Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in P.I.L. W.P No. 6 of 2024 recommending transportation of ore on Public Roads, Village roads, District road in Bicholim in order to facilitate Vedanta Limited Bicholim Block - I Mines ore transportation. 

We request you to kindly refrain from allowing such transportation. Transportation of ore to the rate of 120 trips per hour - as recorded in Vedanta limited letter dated 08 April 2024 to your office - would mean invasion of public roads with mighty reckless manner threatening road safety with impunity thereby violating 2022 Supreme Court directions on road safety. 

Environmental Clearance (EC) dated 23 January 2024 records at page 28 of 39 response from Vedanta Limited that total ore that will be transported per day is 12658 tonnes in 1205 trips per day and 127 trips per hour with total vehicles that will be put on road to and fro totaling 254 vehicles per hour. This is sure remedy for creation of a catastrophe for 237 days per year that you need to prevent. 

Moreover you are well advised to organise public consultations with affected people residing close to the vicinity of the roads before providing any permissions to use existing public roads, Village roads, city roads as well as district roads for transportation of ore at such such high rate as 120 trips per hour.

Vedanta Limited has claimed in response recorded in Environmental Clearance page 18 that they have 4.54 km of dedicated road and 0.94 km MDR-20 Public Road.

Directorate of Mines and Geology is not privileged to initiate violation of EC condition to make a mockery of EC. It's legitimacy is very vital by maitaining It's integrity.

Any irresponsible decision on your part would lead to the unpredictably dangerous consequences to the Public Health in Goa and your office will be held responsible and accountable in a fitting manner.

Therefore we assert once again: Please organise public consultations on the issue of granting road permits to transport ore from the Mines to Sarmanas Jetty with affected people of Bicholim Taluka prior to granting of any road permits to Ms Vedanta Limited.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Ramesh S. Gauns

Objections to Blue Flag Accredition to Siridao beach

15 April 2024

To,

The Director of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Paryatan Bhavan,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Objections to Blue Flag Accredition to Siridao beach

Sir,

We have come to know from media reports (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/crz-nod-given-for-amenities-meeting-blue-flag-standards-at-siridao-beach/articleshow/109014044.cms) that Goa Tourism Department has taken nod from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to provide Blue Flag certification to Siridao beach.

Our investigations in this regard has revealed the following insights:

1. The purpose of getting Denmark standards of Beaches is known as Blue Flag certification for portion of Siridao beach is for catering to the exclusive Tourism purpose. 

2. After interaction with gillnet fishers on Siridao Beach it is revealed that none were consulted by your office before taking the Blue Flag decision. This way of decision-making that exclude and dispense fishing communities from governance is a political tragedy.

3. The method of decision-making adopted by your office with regards to Blue Flag certification for Siridao beach threatens to expel fishing communities at Siridao from the fishing based livelihoods currently practiced at Siridao beach. This we totally object to.

4. Brief history of Blue Flag certification of Goa's Beaches reveals that Velsao and Miramar fishermen had already rejected the same during past years for creating threats to fishing occupations by intruding on to fishing boat spaces.

5. Fishing communities are bestowed with the role of "stewards" of the coast in SSF voluntary Guidelines, a piece of international law that India is signatory too. Non-consulting fishing communities on Blue Flag certification of Siridao beach therefore constitutes violation of international fishing jurisprudence and you are required to review your style of functioning vis-a-vis fishing communities on Siridao Beach and all other beaches in Goa. 

6. We request your office to maintain cleanliness of all the Beaches in Goa. Current status of Beaches in Goa including Siridao beach is pathetic. Beaches are littered with plastics and broken glass pieces. Due to wrong touristic publicity to Goa on its liberal liquor policy several groups of people are seen visiting Beaches, consuming alcohol and afterwards break the bottles on the beach itself creating health and safety issue for everyone working and visiting the beaches. This gross abuse has made several beaches in Goa including Siridao beach dangerous. You are requested to launch a program to address this rather than creating exclusive tourist use beaches with all the infrastructure objectionable to fishing communities.

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) in a meeting held on 11 April 2024 examined this issue of Siridao beach from fishing perspective and decided to initiate suitable moves.

We hereby request your office to abort your plans to designate Siridao beach as Blue Flag certified destination for exclusive tourist enjoyment and stop your practice of excluding local fishing communities from the decision-making process concerning Goa's coastal and riparian geographies.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Copy to

Director of Fisheries, 

Panaji, Goa

Member-Secretary, 

Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, 

Panaji, Goa

Shri Viresh Borkar,

M.L.A, 

St. Andre Constituency,

Goa

Sarpanch, 

Village Panchayat,

Siridao, Goa

Blue Flag certification to Siridao beach?

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/crz-nod-given-for-amenities-meeting-blue-flag-standards-at-siridao-beach/articleshow/109014044.cms

Whom did in Siridao Tourism Department consult before taking this decision of declaring Siridao beach for Blue Flag certification?

Why fishing Orgnisations/ Associations/Unions involved in fishing activities in Zuari river not consulted?

Why did consultative mechanism has been dispensed with by Goa Government?

Why this Blue certification issue being pushed through authoritative manner?

Why no one from Tourism Department nor from Coastal Zone Management Authority visited fishing communities engaged in fishing in Zuari before taking such major decision on Siridao Beach?

Tourism Department currently treats fishing communities with contempt as is reflected from its order to do away with need for NOC from Fisheries department in August 2022. Is Blue Flag another aggression and insult to fishing communities of Zuari river that needs Red Flag from fishing communities?

Aren't fishing communities on Siridao Beach live in peace without any colour classification to the beach?

Haven't Tourism Department messaged up fishing in Mandovi River through casinos already? This Department and GTDC want to spread their invasive tentacles even further to take entire Goa captive?

This issue is not just about Siridao. It's about Tourism Department taking control of Beaches unilaterally dispensing with consultative process and issuing declarations from the ivory tower. Who gave them the authority to do so?

Few years back in 2019 Tourism Department had declared Miramar beach for Blue Flag certification. Consultation was organised by North Goa Collector. At the consultation local fishermen opposed Blue Flag certification plan and Government had to stall its plans.

The issue is about pushing back institutional invasion of Goa's coast from Tourism Department and about reclaiming also the lost grounds. We need concerted efforts in this direction in innovative ways.

Please write back with your ideas or launch your own initiatives in this direction.

Mechanised fishing reported near Dona Paula Jetty

 07 April 2024

To,

The Superitendent of Police,

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa 

To,

The Director,

Department of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Mechanised fishing-Serious matter concerning WP 2844/23 at Goa Bench of Bombay High Court

Madam/Sir,

This is to bring to your attention that mechanised fishing through purse seine fishing gear was carried on within two kilometers from Dona Paula Jetty on 07 April 2024 between 5.30 pm to 6.00 pm.

This indicates that all the measures that Director of Fisheries and Superitendent of Fisheries, Coastal Security has promised in the Court affidavit is not functional as no patrol boat from any of the concerned Governments are seen near Dona Paula Jetty.

You are requested to take urgent note on this breach and take necessary steps to avoid similar incidents in near future.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary, AGSSRFU

Copy to:

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Compulsion to converse in English by Fisheries surveyor

03 April 2024

To,

The Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Compulsion from Fisheries Surveyor to speak 

English by fishers of Bambolim, Nauxim villages

Madam,

We wish to bring to your attention that English speaking has been made compulsory for fishing communities by Fisheries surveyor of Goa Fisheries department in Bambolim, Nauxim villages.

Currently mass of fishing communities of these villages doesn't have fluency in and understanding of English and most mode of verbal communication is in Konkani. This has created obstacles in fishing related communications with Fisheries Surveyor deputed in these villages. We appreciate good intention of your Fisheries Surveyor in his approach towards English though currently not equipped with skills to do so.

In order to make fishing communities proficient in spoken English dealing with Fisheries Surveyor we request you the following:

1. Depute staff from your office to train adult fishing community members from Bambolim, Nauxim and other villages/places/localities/territory within the administration Jurisdiction of Fisheries Surveyor Harish Prabhu to teach English. 

This will alleviate linguistic hardships currently faced by fishing communities due to adamant insistence to speak speak English with Mr. Prabhu.

We will collaborate with Fisheries department as English proficiency will be beneficial to fishing communities towards self-empowerment while dealing with such Fisheries surveyors and beyond. 

Till this arrangement for adult Education program for spoken English is carried on appropriate instruction be given to the above named Fisheries Officer to make communications fishing communities easy and seemless preferably in Konkani till linguistic skills of our communities are upgraded by your office.

Thanking you in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar

(Secretary)

In solidarity with Caranzalem fishers of Arabian Sea

03 April 2024

To,

The Director,

Department of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

The Director,

Department of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

To,

M.L.A

Panaji Constituency, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Objections to Water sports at Caranzalem beach

Madam/Sir,

It have come to our attention through media reports that traditional fishing communities engaged in small scale fishing at Caranzalem beach are facing threat to their livelihoods due to push for water sports by the Goa Tourism Department. We share links to the media reports that went online on 21 March 2024 to you as under:

https://www.heraldgoa.in/News-Today/Caranzalem-raponkars-oppose-demarcation-of-water-sports-zone-at-Caranzalem/219263 

https://youtu.be/paYYK0Vupnw?si=oikzSbQZx-p-GsJv

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union took cognizance of the above two media reports during our meeting on 27 March 2024 and examined the seriousness of the looming threats before fishing communities due to the water sports at various sections of Caranzalem beach.

Resolutions to support fishing communities at Caranzalem beach against water sports was passed during the meeting.

In the light of the above context you are requested to desist from engaging in any kind of water sports activities at Caranzalem beach that is disturbing and disruptive to the traditional and small scale fishing activities.

Kindly communicate this message to all the concerned for necessary action.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar

(Secretary)

Copy to:

President,

Caranzalem Ramponkar & Traditional Fishermen Association,

H.No. 165, Near Rayan Gas Godown, Poder, Dando, Caranzalem, Tiswadi, Goa.

Illegal mechanised fishing near Dona Paula Jetty

 08 March 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police

Coastal Security

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries,

Government of Goa

Panaji, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Illegal mechanised fishing in Zuari river near Dona Paula Jetty in violation of High Court directions dated January 09, 2024 in WP 2844 of 2023

Sir/ Madam,

Two incidents of mechanised fishing through use of purse seine nets are reported in Zuari river near Dona Paula Jetty on 07 March 2024. The first one at 4.00 am and the second one at 6.30 pm.

No police patrol boat nor patrol boat from Fisheries department intercepted the illegal fishing boats. This is serious lapse in enforcement mechanism and proves that instead of Police and Fisheries department mechanised fishing lobby is exercising their Writ in Zuari river to violate the law of the land that prohibits mechanised fishing within 05 kms from the coast.

We have brought the violation to the attention of Coastal Security Police via their mobile number 7875756073. However we are not updated by DYSP Coastal security if any action has been taken on the matter.

We will report this to the Hon'ble Bombay High Court.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar 

Secretary, AGSSRFU

Copy to:

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Goa

Deputy Superitendent of Police

Coastal Security,

Ribandar, Goa

Water sports obstructions to fishing activities in Zuari

07 March 2024

To,

Minister of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Tourism)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim,

Goa

To,

The Director,

Department of Tourism,

Paryatan Bhavan, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Water Sports obstructions to fishing activities in Zuari river river

Sir/Madam, 

This is to bring to your urgent attention obstructions faced by fishing communities due to water sports activities in Zuari river. Water sports activities permitted by Department of Tourism in the name of 'ease of doing business' bypassing Department of Fisheries as well as local Panchayat bodies has triggered disruption of fishing activities in Zuari river. Movement of water sports boats has invaded fishing spaces in Zuari river causing tearing of gillnets casted in the river as well as creating sound vibrations that chase away fish from the usual undisturbed Zuari river habitats.

In the above context we call upon your office the following:

1. Revoke all the ecistinf permissions granted to water sports activities in Zuari river waters with immidiate effect from Taleigao coast to Siridao coasts covering villages of Odxel, Cacra, Nauxim, Bambolim and Siridao.

2. Deny granting of any new permissions to water sports in Zuari river involving Territories mentioned at point no.1above.

We look forward to your co-operation and compliance to this letter to ensure smooth conduct of fishing activities by small scale fishing communities in Zuari river.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary, AGSSRFU 

Copy to

1. Director of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

2. Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Panaji, Goa

3. Captain of Ports, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

4. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Siridao, Tiswadi, Goa

5. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa

6. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Santa Cruz, Tiswadi, Goa

7. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Taleigao, Tiswadi, Goa

In response to call letter from Harbour Police Station in mechanised fishing matter

01 March 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police,

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject : Call letter dated 28/02/2024 from Pradip R. Velip, Police Inspector, Harbour Coastal Security Police Station in connection with Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023 at Goa Bench of Bombay High Court

Sir/Madam,

We are in receipt of yet another call letter from Harbour Coastal Security Police Station in connection with our complaints on illegal trawling and purse seine fishing in Zuari river dated 01/02/2024 and 22/02/2024, both addressed to your office along with evidence of violation of Goa Bench of Bombay High Court Order dated 09/01/2024 in Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023 which we have already inwarded to your office on 27/02/2024.

This to place on record that in response to earlier call letter dated 22/02/2024 from Rohidas K.Velip, PSI on the same matter we visited Harbour Coastal Security Police Station on 26/02/2024. During our time at the Police station we were shown documents containing internal notings by the Office of Superitendent of Police on our complaint dated 01/02/2024 directing Harbour Coastal Security Police Station to call meeting of both the Parties. 

Now we find this direction from the office of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security extremely objectionable in the light of following context:

1. It is legal duty of the office of Director of Fisheries as well as Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security to prevent mechanised fishing within 5 kms from the shore as the the prevalent law in force.

2. There is standing order of the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court dated 09 January 2024 in Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023  that has specifically alerted both Director of Fisheries as well as Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security against allowing any mechanised fishing within 5 kms specified area as per the law.

3. Inspite of the High Court Order mentioned at point no.2  both Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security as well as Director of Fisheries allowed massive mechanised fishing inside Zuari river to go on during mid-night on 31/01/2024. The digital evidence of the same with GPS locations of the venue of mechanised fishing within specified area is already inwarded to your office via our letter dated 22/02/2024 in pendrive. 

4. Following from above point nos 1, 2, & 3 all the details of the violations of High Order dated 09 January 2024 is communicated to your office in completion. All that your office has to do is initiate action and submit your compliance report to the Hon'ble Goa Bench of Bombay High Court. 

5. Hence the directions of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security given via internal notings on our complaint dated 01/02/2024 to call for meeting of both the parties at Harbour Coastal Security Police Station is wrong and needs to be withdrawn immidiately as it is in violation of law in force and we shall be constrained to report to the Hon'able High Court the conduct of the office of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security.

6. As the current matter in sub-judice state due to litigation at High Court via mentioned Writ Petition we will not be attending any meetings with those involved in mechanised fishing within specified area of 5 kms as there is nothing to be negotiated at all. So in this context kindly issue necessary directions to the Police Inspector, Harbour Coastal Security Police Station and keep us informed.

Additionally, if there is need for the meeting with our Union to discuss policy matters relating to preventive measures needed in addition to what contains already in our petition then let it be convened through proper protocols through the office of Advocate General to the Government of Goa involving also Director of Fisheries, Superitendent of Fisheries, Captain of Ports etc, and we will participate.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President

Laximan Mangueshkar 

Secretary

Copy to

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Police Inspector, 

Harbour Coastal Security Police Station

Reply to police call letter on sub judice matter

26 February 2024

To,

The Police Inspector,

Coastal Security Police Station,

Harbour, Vasco, Goa

Subject: Call letter dated dated 22/2/2024 from Rohidas K. Velip PSI, Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco

Sir,

Please take note of paragraph 07 of the attached Order dated 9th January 2024 of the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in Writ Petition no.2844 in connection with your call letter addressed to the President, All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union as under:

"In the meantime, we direct the prohibition as emanating from the notification issued by the State Government in respect of the use of mechanised vehicles which be strictly ensured by the authorised officer and other authorities concerned failing which the Court may be constrained to initiate appropriate action against those responsible for unabated mechanised fishing despite prohibition."

Kindly take note of the above contents in the inquiry proceedings.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU 

Laxman Mangueshkar 

Sectetary, AGSSRFU

Copy to

Chief Justice, Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Panaji, Goa

Director of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

Digital evidence on illegal mechanised fishing in zuari river

 22 February 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police, 

Coastal Security

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Digital evidence of illegal fishing in Zuari river in reference to our complaint dated 01/02/2024 to your office with regard to writ petition 2844 of 2023 before Goa Bench of Hon'able Bombay High Court 

Sir/Madam,

Please pendrive containing digital evidence illegal fishing in Zuari River for the purpose of prosecution and action against those trawlers and purse seine boats caught on GPS camera. 

From 20 February 2024 to 21 February 2024 some members of All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has received phone calls from someone claiming to be policeman attached to Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco using mobile phone number 9922976943. Caller has been inviting our Union leadership to strike a compromise on illegal mechanised fishing at River Zuari.

We strongly condemn such invitation from this caller for compromise in illegal fishing in Zuari river and request your attention to the following issues:

1. Who authorised caller to give phone calls to AGSSRFU members to compromise on illegal mechanised fishing?

2. AGSSRFU if required to be present at police station, concerned officials of Coastal Police station must share call letter inviting for the meeting along with the purpose of such meeting with us.

Kindly note once again that we stand to co-operate fully with coastal security police to nab the illegal trawlers and purse seiners provided police follow proper procedure by inviting our Union with call letter.

Kindly also note that we will not tolerate any undue pressure from police to compromise with those committing crimes of illegal fishing through trawling and purse seine in Zuari river as this matter is sub-judice before Goa Bench of Bombay High Court via Writ petition no. 2844 of 2023 and we will report pressure on us to compromise to the Hon'able Court.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Copy to 

1. Police Inspector, Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco, Goa

2. Deputy Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Ribandar, Goa

Protest against illegal trawling in Zuari

20 Februrary 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police,

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa.

To,

The Director, 

Directorate of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Objections to illegal fishing in Zuari river 

Madam,

Greetings from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union!

We lodge our strong protest against illegal trawling by six trawlers that was carried on on Saturday, 17 February 2024 night from 7.00 pm till mid-night. This is gross violation of directions of Goa Bench of Bombay High Court dated 09, January 2024 and your office is responsible for the same.

Kindly put system in place to avoid any such violations in future.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar 

(Secretary)

Ojections to AHOY Marina Proposal at Nauxim waterfront

 20 Februrary 2024

To,

Shri Aleixo Sequeira,

The Minister of Environment, 

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Principal Secretary 

(Environment)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

The Member Secretary,

Goa State Coastal Management Authority

Government of Goa,

Goa.

Subject: Objections to AHOY Marina Proposal at Nauxim in Zuari river waterfront

Sir,

Greetings from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union!

We wish to draw your urgent attention to the pending proposal before Goa State Coastal Management Authority to set up Marina project covering over 1,00,000 square meters of zuari river from.

We wish to place our objections on record before your office not only because fishing communities of zuari river have opposed this Marina proposa of M/s Kargwal Constructions Private Limited since October 2010 when the lease deed was signed with MPT. Its over 13 years that fishing communities have opposed this project and made sure it doesn't see light of day as it will destroy local fishing based livelihoods.

We came to know two weeks ago through Government replies to MLAs Cruz Silva and Viresh Borkar in Goa Legislative Assembly that M/s Kargwal Costructions Private Limited has applied afresh in December 2023 before Goa State Coastal Management Authority seeking permissions to set up Marina at Nauxim. 

We came to know through above mentioned Government reply that project proponent has attached Environment Impact Assement (EIA) Report for the official perusal. We have studied refered EIA and wish to draw your attention to combined reading of pages 5.9 and 5.10 Tables 5.2 dealing with coefficient values foe impact Assesment and 5.3 dealing with impact quantification of Marina. The value given for impact of Marina on Fisheries is -2. It means Marina will have Permanent impact on Fisheries which is major, long term, negative and irreversible. 

So the official submissions of the project proponent itself has provided evidence of assured destruction of Fisheries Zuari river and you are requested to take note of the same and reject the permissions. 

We would happy to meet you in this regard should you need any further inputs from us.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar 

(Secretary)

Plastic menace in Goa rivers

20 Februrary 2024

To,

Shri Aleixo Sequeira,

The Minister of Environment, 

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Principal Secretary 

(Environment)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

Subject: Plastic menace in rivers of Goa

Sir,

Greetings from All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union!

We wish to draw your urgent attention to the Plastic menace in Goa's rivers. So much of Plastic waste directly being disposed in Goa's rivers has created situation so dangerous not only for our Fishing activities but also to the health of our all rivers and Arabian Sea. During fishing our gillnets trap so much of Plastic thrash including plastic bags. Often it is the case when we harvest more Plastic in our fishing nets than fish.

Moreover in several patched rivers bed is covered with plastics thereby disrupting fish spawning activities specially of various benthic species that needs unhindered direct riverbed access.

We discussed this issued in our Union meetings and decided to approach your office in order get Goa's rivers specially Zuari and Mandovi free from Plastic menace.

You are therefore requested to take all the required steps to address this problem including the following:

1. Ban on manufacture of Plastic specially bags in Goa.

2. Ban of sale and purchase of Plastic bags.

3. Ban on entry of Plastic bags into Goa.

4. Public awareness programs at all levels to educate people including households, ferry boat staff, fishing communities, students, religuous institutions, comsumer organisations, retail shops, coastal hotels, beach shacks, trawlers, waters sports companies, casino vessels in floating in Mandovi etc against dumping of Plastic in rivers.

5. Launch program to clean up all Goa's rivers of existing Plastic dumped and disposing of the same as per exiting regulations.

6. Introduction of river rescue boats on Goa's rivers to fetch floating Plastic.

7. Formation of special task force under Ministry of Environment to clean up coastal areas and rivers of Plastic menace.

8. Recommend to Government of India to impose ban on manufacture of Plastic as it has created consequences that are beyond control and we are at the receiving end facing negative consequences.

Kindly give up person hearing to discuss the above point personally with you.

Your timely and quick response will be highly appreciated.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar 

(Secretary)

Zuari illegal fishing in violation of High Court directions

February 01, 2024

To,

The Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

The Superitendent of Police

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Violations of Goa Bench of Bombay High Court directions dated 9th January 2024 in Writ Petition No. 2844 of 2023 regarding illegal fishing within specified area within 5 kms from the shore line.

Madam/ Sir,

We draw your urgent attention to the above mentioned violations in All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union Versus The State of Goa.

Paragraph 07 of the Honorable High Court states "In the meantime, we direct the prohibition as emanating from the Notification issued by the State Government in respect of the use of mechanized vehicles which be strictly ensured by the authorised officer and other authorities concerned failing which the Court may be constrained to initiate appropriate action against those responsible for unabated mechanised fishing despite prohibition."

The violation of the above cited paragraph took place by unhindered illegal fishing activity in Zuari river through mechanised fishing vehicles. We wish to furnish details as under:

1. Purse fishing vessel bearing registration number IND-GA-01-MM-2663 named Indra Sagar carried on illegal purse seine fishing at 11.55 pm on January 31, 2024 in Zuari river at Latitude 15.446721⁰, Longitude 73.822987⁰.

2. Fishing vessel bearing registration number IND-GA-01-MM-578 carried on illegal trawl fishing at 11.26 pm on January 31, 2024 in Zuari river at location Latitude 15.454489⁰, Longitude 73.825275⁰.

3. Fishing vessel bearing registration number IND-GA-01-MM-581 carried on illegal trawl fishing at 11.24 pm on January 31, 2024 in Zuari river at location Latitude 15.454489⁰, Longitude 73.825275⁰.

4. Fishing vessel bearing registration number IND-GA-01-MM-672 carried on illegal trawling fishing at 11.34 pm on January 31, 2024 in Zuari river at location Latitude 15.454489⁰, Longitude 73.825275⁰.

Kindly provide us WhatsApp number of your office where we can share digital evidence of the above reported violations. 

You are required to enforce law and order in Zuari river that is in paralyzed state due to your willful negligence and other reasons best known to your office.

Please initiate action against those involved in violations as per law as well as against officers of your office who failed in their duty to prevent illegal fishing within specified areas of 5 kms from the coastline. This is a serious matter and will be reported to the Honorable High Court.

Please find attached cited High directions for your ready perusal.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary, AGSSRFU 

Copy to

Chief Secretary, Government of Goa, Porvorim,  Goa

Need to address delays in canoe fishing subsidies

29 January 2024

To,

Shri Nilkhant Halarnkar

Minister of Fisheries,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

Subject: Petrol subsidy for fishing cannoes...regarding

Sir,

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) calls your urhent attention to the issues regarding Petrol subsidy as under:

1. Petrol subsidy for fishing cannoes given through department of fisheries is facing serious delays. Subsidy for the year 2022 is still not distributed even though we are in 2024. There is delay of two years. You are urged to direct Fisheries department to clear backlog of petrol subsidies for the years 2022 and 2023 with immidiate effect.

2. Subsidy amount for petrol that was Rs.50,000/- per cannoe was slashed down to Rs.30,000/- during Covid-19 pandemic even though that was difficult time for fishing communities. And this amount is still at the same level even tough Covid-19 pandemic ended many years ago. You are requested to increase the petrol subsidy amount from current Rs.30,000/- to Rs.75,000/-

Kindly oblige.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely 

Shaila D'mello

President

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Why Raju Nayak is wagging his tail on Nauxim Marina?

Raju Nayak and his hotch-potch writing "Nauxim..... Zauxim" in marathi Gomantak on Sunday, January 14, 2024 is yet another verbiage outburst of frustration and desperation.

Nayak doesn't even know the history of Marina at Nauxim that it is in 14th year of resistence. He writes that resistence has started few months back!

Raju Nayak has made spirited attempt to cover up his Maharastra master's nexus with Maharashtra's Kargwal Constructions Private Limited, both based in Mumbai. He has such a intimate Maharashtra presence that flows through his computer key board. 

This time without naming he hints that it was Ashwin Tombat that influenced him to support Marina at Nauxim. Industry- media nexus are well known for a long time and Raju Nayak's behavior is akin to breast feeding kitten with closed eyes believe that if he closes his eyes whole world also closes all the eyes and goes blind during his moments ecstasy in self-delirium.

Raju Nayak refers to Nauxim Marina and writes elaborately on how it is going to support Fisheries. What is clear from his writings is the fact that Kargwal's AHOY Marina is incapable to hoodwink Zuari river fishing communities. That's reason Nayak pretended blind to the fact that Marina EIA report itself has noted that Fisheries in Zuari river will have Long term, Negative, Irreversible impact. One had to be either moron or marina paid journalist to commit such a gross skip. We believe that Raju Nayak is not a moron.

Raju Nayak has also mischievously skipped the fact in Marina EIA that has refered all the people residing in Nauxim, Cacra and Odxel are Shudras. Why Raju Nayak never highlights this in any of his propaganda dishlets in Gomantak newspaper or TV? Because he doesn't stand up for truth only pure propaganda. Or is it he is not a Shudra? Or is Raju Nayak Shudra of AHOY Marina?

When EIA is in public domain what is the value of Gomantak nonsensical  bullet points in print about fishing. Only positive thing mentioned in EIA Study about fishing is that Marina will supply fuel to fishing trawlers. And in Nauxim there are no fishing trawlers.

Raju Nayak goes about praising himself on his role in various agitations in Goa's history. Someone famously once said "Donkey praises his own tail !"

Raju Nayak is frustrated with the governance system in place in Goa. To get the clearance for Marina at Nauxim he want Government to set up one more Ministry, Ministry of NGOs! And it is not implied if Raju Nayak want to be the first Minister of NGOs in Goa to end frustration of those who pay him to play media mischief. 

We wish Raju Nayak all the best for his rest of carrier in journalism in diverse colors including Yellow! We love to be entertained by humor cock! We enjoyed this piece of writing even though it was pathetic, incoherent, shabby, propagandist, terribly anti-fishing communities sugar coated biases. Such writing however has short shelf life and it would do good if Raju Nayak refrains from any further series of insults on Zuari river fishing. There is a saying that worth remembering "Every dog has his day".

Even Goa Chief Minister has come to his senses and directed Captain of Ports that it has not given any permision to set up Marina at Nauxim. Letter dated 13/12/2023 from Captain of Ports written to All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) even states that Captain of Ports has no Jurisdiction over Nauxim.

So why Raju Nayak is wagging his tail in marathi Gomantak?

Call to release all those detained due to mining protests in Mayem

 Action Alert

Call to release all those detained due to mining protests in Mayem, Bicholim, Goa

According to the confirmed information six people are illegally detained at the Bicholim Police station without any charges in them. They were arrested today 13 January morning at 10.30 am while protesting illegal transportation ore from their village of Mayem from Chowgule mine at Paira, Mayem.

Those amongst six includes Babuso Karbotkat, Santosh Sawant, Santosh Malvankar, Ajit Sawant, Apa Salgaonkar, Naguesh Naik.

Iron ore is being transported by contactor Dinesh Gauns through the village road in Mayem and is objected by villagers. 

It is also alleged by the villagers that Goa Chief Minister is directly involved in abuse of police force in his capacity as Home Minister for some petty selfish gains and detriment of the Public Interest. It is not know as to how much of 35,000 crores of mining scam has reached Goa Chief Minister as evidently he is silent on recovery of this amount.

Please call up Bicholim Police Station at numbers below and demand immediate release of all those detained at the Bicholim Police Station.

Phone: 0832 2362233

Bicholim Police Inspector Dinesh Gadekar mobile 7875756033

Goa has enough of mining loot, let's not tolerate it any further. Let's stop abuse of Police as private security of mining companies and mining contractors any more!

Illegal trawling off Nauxim coast

From 8.30 pm today January 08, 2024 three trawlers are carrying on illegal fishing

All the complaints complaints to the Fisheries Control room has not solicitated any crackdown against these erring trawlers. In fact the staff at the control room is behaving in aggressive manner to those who phone to complaint.