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