Stop purse seine fishing in Zuari now!

Bharat Mukti Morcha is deeply concerned about rising incidents of illegal purse seine fishing in Zuari river over the past week. It has been observed that this kind of destructive fishing going on with close co-ordinatiom with Directorate of Fisheries, Government of Goa. Purse seine fishing is banned in the rivers and within five kilometers from the shoreline due to their destructive impacts.

There has been complete and deliberate promotion of illegal fishing with collision of those engaging in illegal purse seine fishing from Nerul and Vasco with the Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro to destroy Zuari river fisheries and the livelihoods of small scale fishers. In fact Monteiro has gory reputation of supporting illegal fishing in Zuari river and was even chucked out of the office in 2017 for this reason by then Minister of Fisheries Palyenkar. Fisheries department was handled ably well by the IAS officers Govind Jaiswal, Secretary to the Fisheries.

Monteiro is bias against the small scale fishers for the reasons best known to her as evident from her tacit support to illegal purse seine fishing in Zuari over the past full week. Disgusting. Monteiro's competence lies in supporting illegal fishing in Zuari. It's shocking yet tragic reality.

Bharat Mukti Morcha holds Shamila Monteiro responsible for all the illegal purse seine fishing going on at Zuari river over the past week. She should be shifted out from Fisheries department as was done in 2017 and charge be given to some other able officer.

Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for complete revamping of Fisheries department with 24 hour Patroling of Zuari river in view of daily illegal purse seine fishing. Patrol boat should be stationed at Dona Paula Jetty rather than at Panjim Jetty for effecting quick response against fishing rights violators namely the purse seine fishing boats.

Bharat Mukti Morcha condemns Police assault on Hanuman Parab

Calls for dismissal of the Police Officials involved in Pissurlem assault on Hanuman Parab

Bharat Mukti Morcha strongly condemns brutal assault against Hanuman Parab from Pissurlem at Valpoi Police Station for espousing the cause of reviving of village agriculture.

A week before the violent turn Pissurlem farmers had petitioned Goa Government to revive village agriculture in ravaged stage by mining industry. However due to State Government's non-response to enforce High Court Order farmers started the protest and stopped transportation of the iron Ore by Sesa Goa-Vadanta company.

Pissurlem was highest paddy growing village in Sattari producing abundance of rice and open cast iron Ore mining over the past some decades has ruined it all, dried all  water sources, pumped dust into lungs, destroyed something that was beautiful.

On March 11, 2022 at around 11.30 am - barely 24 hours after declaration of State Assembly results declaring vistory to Rane couple in Sattari's two seats- Police led by Police Inspector (PI) Prajyot Phadte arrived at the site of the protests at Dhatwada in  Pissurlem, bundled up the around 18 out of 78 protesting farmers, jumbled them into Police vehicles and drove to Valpoi Police Station in just 45 minutes.

At around 12.15 pm - like a baggage - Farmers were unloaded from the Police vehicles and herded inside Valpoi Police Station where Police Officer with rank of Deputy Superitendent of Police based in Bicholim was ready and awaiting the farmers to hostile reception without provisions in law. There was no presence of Divya Rane nor Viswajit Rane at the police station - the two elected MLAs- to support and voice out their outrageous against Police action. Why these MLAs don't support revival of Agriculture in Pissurlem?

The beastly partly began immediately with no more preparations needed. All that was required to push Hanuman to Passion was prepared. PI Prajyot Phadte joined DYSP Sagar Ekoskar with another three policemen and started bashing up Hanuman Parab. They slapped him, threw him on ground kicked him, abused him with filthy words. All this in full public view of the 17 arrested farmers from Pissurlem inside the premises of Valpoi Police Station. Police visualized Hanuman's physical body as football to be kicked by all men in Khaki in a beastly party. And kick, they did. Determined Hanuman at least for the sake of his mother, wife and son at home decided to defend himself and protect his head from Police boots. In the bargain he took Police blows on his hands and exposed ribs. The ingrained pain was enough to ground him home for next five days not even able to get up to file Police complaints. And where will he redress his grievances? Police Inspector and Deputy Superitendent of Police themselves came out as Triumphant criminals holding policing functions? It's ridiculous to the core.

With the declaration of election results passion of people in mining belt has resumed after a decade. DYSP, PI and other police officers did inflict these violent blows on Hanuman Parab to create fear amongst the farmers most of whom are Scheduled Tribes. Fear generation is backbone of governance in mining belt of Goa over the past half century and Police has been the most favored agency of the mining industry to create fear through terror in hearts and minds of affected people. It was done in Sirigao and Mayem in 1970s when farmers protested machinisation of mining industry that pushed digging below water table. It was done in Colomba, in Cavrem, in Advalpal and many other places in Goa.

In the current case of Pissurlem Sesa Goa, a subsidiary company of Vedanta that was feeling threatened with farmers agitation that blocked Ore transportation for just a few days.

Irrespective of who the beneficiary of violence is, we as a civilized society cannot let Police officers of any rank to transform into terror distributors and ring masters. That is not the reason why public tax money is used to pay the salaries of the Police officials. Terror distribution is opposite of normal Police functioning. All those Police officials who participated in beastly party to inflict violence on Hanuman Parab deserves to be dismissed from the service. Ring leader of terror administration DYSP Sagar Ekoskar has built up reputation for violence. We have not forgotten his role in Melaulim agitation in 2021 wherein he dared to step on the breasts of protesting elderly woman while he was then holding rank of Police Inspector. Goa Government instead of dismissing him from the police service awarded him the promotion to the rank of DYSP! We wonder what further promotion awaits to such a man with such heinous acts as we learned from meeting Hanuman Parab shortly after he survived the Police beastly party on his body at Valpoi Police Station. Hanuman's spirit of combat is intact and we support him wholeheartedly to counter catastrophic designs of mining industry.

Bharat Mukti Morcha, calls for immediate dismissal from the service of all the Police officials that administered violence on Hanuman Parab. Two are named above. Remaining officials identities needs to be traced and punished.

Further Bharat Mukti Mukti calls for Judicial investigation into Police assault on Hanuman Parab.

Further Bharat Mukti Morcha supports movements of Pissurlem farmers and all those connected with them in order to revive agriculture in the village.

Further Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for immediate implementation of High Court order to supply required quantity of water from mining pits to cultivate paddy fields and other water needs.


Further Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for physical takeover of all the Mines in Goa from private operators as mining leases expired in 2007 and no renewals are effected.

Further Bharat Mukti Morcha calls upon all the Political Parties operating in Goa to support farmers of Pissurlem in order to revive agriculture in the village.


Further realizing that the root of corrupt government administration in Goa being non-transparency, Bharat Mukti Morcha calls for inclusion of Political Parties within the scope of Right to Information Act through suitable amendment so that finding sources of Political Parties are made transparent and Politics is freed from mining mafia and cartel controls, and corporate greed as currently is the case.

FOR URGENT ATTENTION: Agenda point no. 3.5 for 290th EAC meeting for March 10, 2022 regarding AHOY Marina inside Zuari river at Goa

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION

190, Nauxim, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206

March 08, 2022, 



To,


The Chairman and all other Members of Expert Appraisal Committee of the MoEF&CC, Government of India

spiderconch@gmail.com
sukumaranjeyakrishnan@gmail.com
negims84@hotmail.com
sham.wagh@gmail.com
kharemukesh@yahoo.co.in
pachauri1945@gmail.com
drvkjain@hotmail.com
hota.manoranjan@gmail.com
rajesh-cgwb@gov.in
ramana2865@gmail.com
nirmalendu.soi@gov.in
neeraj.crri@nic.in
ad.raju@nic.in
ccb.cpcb@nic.in

Sir/ Madam,


Hello and Warm Greetings of Peace from Goa!


It has come to our attention that proposal from Kargwal Construction Private Limited, Mumbai to set AHOY Marina at fishing predominant Zuari river of Goa by using nomenclature as "MPT WATERS" is listed for the 290th meeting to be held on March 10, 2022. 

It is in this regard that we make this timely intervention to let you know that each one of you are invited to visit us at Zuari river where we do our fishing activities. This will enhance your expertise before taking any further action to grant Terms of References to Kargwal Constructions Private Limited to move ahead with another EIA Study.

Kargwal Constructions Private Limited has already prepared EIA study and that was put out to hold Public Hearing through Goa State Pollution Control Board that did not take place and matter is pending before Goa Bench of Bombay High Court.

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union calls for scrapping of Marina project in Zuari river at Nauxim Goa on following grounds:

 1. Lease deed of Kargwal constructions private Limited and Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) dated 12/10/2010 for approximately 1,00,000 square meters of water front of Zuari river for 30 years at the rate of Rs.4.87 per square meter per month is ill conceived from the beginning by vested interests to expel fishers from Zuari river and trigger food insecurity.

 2. The lease agreement doesn't even acknowledge existence of fishing activities in Zuari river even though its permitted by Goa Fisheries department.

 3. The lease agreement that is based upon the decisions of MPT that has ignored fishing activities in Zuari River as evident from their minutes. The sole criteria cited in the minutes to lease out Zuari River without consulting local traditional fishers is to generate incomes for MPT even if that requires expulsion of fishing activities.

4. The lease agreement that is based upon the Ports Land Policy prepared by the Union ministry of Shipping is based on unjust principles that ignore fishing activities in Zuari river.

5. The Union government wrongly claiming and asserting its Jurisdiction over Zuari river and bestowing powers to MPT through a gazette notification of May 24, 2000 was done in an unethical manner without consulting with communities who are involved in fishing inside Zuari river for time immemorial. The consequences of such a nefarious act are the expulsion of fishing communities from Zuari River. All notifications of Central government extending MPT jurisdictions over Zuari River must be immediately withdrawn to avoid expulsion of fishers from Zuari River.

6. The ecological dangers of Marina to marine ecology are officially placed on record by Goa Bio-diversity Board in case of neighboring Yatch Haven marina by Chowgules inside Zuari River on Sancoale river front. Same report are relevant to Nauxim Marina too.

7. Fishing communities are opposing marina at Nauxim based on their wisdom accumulated over the centuries. As per their understanding Marina project at Nauxim will destroy both human habitat at river coast as well fish habitats in Zuari River. Fisheries will suffer to an unimaginable extent.

8. The understanding of fishers that it will destroy fisheries is confirmed by the impact quantification calculations presented in the EIA report prepared for Nauxim marina and put out in public domain by Goa State Pollution Control Board.

9. The joint reading of Tables 5.2 and 5.9 of the AHOY Marina EIA reveals that Fisheries in Zuari River will have permanent negative impact of the nature that is major, long-term and irreversible. Fisheries can be destroyed in this manner only if marine environments are destroyed and the cited tables do indicate major long term negative impacts to marine environment. We do not desire this to happen to our Zuari river fisheries.

10. The laws and policies of India that provide powers to Ports overriding the existing fishing activities are based upon unethical foundations of injustice, inequality, impoverishment, livelihood destruction, damage to marine ecology and promoting food insecurity. These laws and policies needs to be done away with urgency.

11. AHOY Marina at Nauxim is combined assault on livelihood of fishing communities from several Coastal villages on Zuari river northern and southern bank and on food security of several people who are dependent upon fish as an ingredient of their food.

12. Ignoring all the above points on October 05, 2020 Kargwal Constructions private limited from Sion, Mumbai has filed Writ of Mandamus at the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court against State of Goa. Writ has called upon the Court to determine (a) whether Public Consultation is required as it is mandatory requirement by law, and (b) whether indefinite postponement of environmental public hearing in case of "Ahoy Marina" at Nauxim is unjust to the project proponent.

13. As the last 12 years of public struggle has ensured non-enforcement of marina at Nauxim it is now urgent that the project be scrapped totally by cancellation of the lease deed itself rather than put the issue languishing for further litigations causing tensions and unrest to the fishing communities of Goa.


The call of the fishing communities of Goa is complete abandonment of Marina project at Nauxim village and all the neighboring villages of Bambolim, Siridao, Agassaim, Cacra, Odxel, Marvel, Dona Paula, Caranzalem, Sancolale, Chicalim as well as Vasco municipal limits localities like Khariavaddo are going to face violations of the right of livelihood.


You are therefore called upon to act decisively on the above matter. We wish to let you know that installing of Marina at Nauxim water front is an open assault against livelihoods of fishing communities of Goa and we have resisted the same for dozen years. MPT/ MPA has not manufactured Zuari river to claim its Jurisdiction and to lease it to whimsically to anyone of their choice by ignoring fishing communities actively carrying on our livelihood practices. 


We therefore advise you to refrain from issuing any Terms of Reference to the Project proponents - Kargwal Constructions Private Limited to conduct any further EIA Study and outright reject their File no. 10-38/2016-IA.III coded as proposal no. IA/GA/NCP/257252/2022 that is listed on the agenda of the meeting at point 3.5.


From the begining AHOY Marina is death knell to fisheries of Goa and you are urged to heed to our call. Do contact us anytime for any further queries if required,  we will be eager to co-operate to get to AHOY Marina scrapped. 

Thank you all.

Yours sincerely,



Sd/-
Shaila D'mello
President

M: 9765843743



Sd/-
Laximan Mangueshkar,
Secretary

M: 8888401385


Sd/-
Dr. S.A. Rodrigues
delegate to National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers, representing All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union.

M: 9923336347

Increase subsidies for Fishing cannoes

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION  

190, Nauxi, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206

______________________________________

Date: 22/10/2021

To,  

The Minister of Fisheries,

Government of Goa,

Secretariat,

Porvorim, 

Goa

Subject:  Regarding increase in Petrol Subsidies for Fishing cannoes 

Sir,  

Due to rising inflation and increasing cost of living we are constrained to address this petition for your urgent attention with following request: 

1. Petrol subsidies for canoes in Goa be increased from Rs. 51,000/- to Rs. 65,000/-. 

Awaiting your urgent action to increase above cited Petrol Subsidy. 

Thanking you,  

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Copy to:  

1. Director of Fisheries, Panjim, Goa 

2. Convenor, National Platform for Small Scale  Fish Workers 

Deletion of Goa's six rivers as National Waterways

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION  

190, Nauxi, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206

______________________________________

Date: 22/10/2021

To,  

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik,

Union Minister of Shipping, National Waterways and Ports

Government of India

Old Goa, 

Goa

Subject:  Regarding deletion of Goa's rivers as National Waterways 25, 27, 68, 71, 88 and 111 by Government of India

Sir, 

We write to you to invite your attention to declaration of six Goa's rivers as National Waterways by Government of India through National Waterways Act 2015. This decision was taking without consulting and prior informing fishing communities dependent upon these rivers (Chapora, Mapusa, Mandovi, Zuari, Cumbharjua and Sal) for our livelihoods. 

We urge you to get Parliament to delete Goa's above cited rivers through Ammendment to National Waterways Act 2015. 

Thanking you,  

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Copy to:  

1. Director of Fisheries, Panjim, Goa 

2. Convenor, National Platform for Small Scale  Fish Workers 

Dangerous Consequences of incuding Mormugao Port Trust under Major Port Authorities Act 2021

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION  

190, Nauxi, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206 

______________________________________

Date: 22/10/2021

To,  

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik,

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from North Goa,

Union Minister of Shipping, National Waterways and Ports

Government of India

Old Goa, 

Goa 

To, 

Shri Fransisco Sardinha,

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from South Goa, 

To, 

Shri Vinay Tendulkar,

Member of Parliament ( Rajya Sabha) from Goa

Subject: Dangerous consequences for Goa due to inclusion of Mormugao Port under Major Port Authorities Act 2021 

Sir, 

Government of India through an extraordinary issue of Gazette of India (Part II, Section 1) dated February 18, 2021 has published Major Port Authorities Act 2021 after receiving assent of the President of India on February 17, 2021. Passing of this law without consulting Goa's fishing communities and public has posed major dangers to Goa, its fishing based livelihoods and other ramifications because of the following reasons: 

1. Section 1 (3) has has included Mormugao Port where in this law will be made applicable within 90 days of its passing. That means this law will take effect from May 20, 2021. 

2. Section 2(1)(y) has definition of "port limit". Draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) has marked several patched inside Goa's rivers as "port limit" there by creating grounds to attract application of Major Port Act, 2021. Definition under section 2 (1) states " Port limit in relation to a major port, means the limits including any piers, jetties, landing places, wharves, quayside, docks and other werks made on behalf of the Public for convenience of traffic, for safety of vessels or for the improvement, maintenance or good governance of the Major Port and its approaches whether within or without high water mark, and subject to any right of private property there in, any portion of the shore or bank within fifty yards of high-water mark and the area of such Major Port as may be determined by the Central Government by way of notification from time to time." 

3. Section 25 empowers Board of each major port covered under this law to prepare it's own master plan "in respect of any development or infrastructure established or proposed to be established with the port limits and the land appurtenant thereto and such master plan shall be independent of any local or State Government regulations of any authority whatsoever : Provided that in case of any conflict between the master plan created by the Board and any local authority, the master plan created by the Board shall prevail." 

4. Section 22(3) states "The Board of each Major Port may erect, construct or build such civil structures for port development or improving commerce and trade in national interest for which no regulatory license or approval from the State authorities shall be required, unless so mandated by the Central Government. " The Panchayats, Municipalities and even Government of Goa is divested of all the decision making powers within port limits which draft CZMP has spread out far and wide needlessly to facilitate notification of port limit by Central government. Even M.L.A roles will become redundant with all the powers concentrating in the hand of Board of Major Port. 

5. Section 23 is dealing with acquisition of land that is known in legal terms as immovable property. This provision states "Where any immovable property is required for the purpose of the Board, the Central Government or as the case may be, the State Government may, at the request of the Board, procure the acquisition thereof under the provisions of Right of Fair Compensation and Transparency Act, 2013 or any other law for the time being in force, and on payment by the Board, the compensation awarded under that Act and of the charged incurred by the Government in connection with the proceedings, the land shall shall vest in the Board". Its land outside the port limit. Land within port limits automatically comes under Board Jurisdiction after central government notification. 

6. Section 21(a) states "The Board of the Major Port Authority shall be the successor of the Board of Trustees constituted under the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963." 

7. Section 75 (1) states "The Major Port Trusts Act, 1963 is hereby repealed." 

8. The Board of Major Port Authority according to Section 3 (1) consists of Chairman, Deputy Chairman, One member each from Concerned State Government, Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence, and Customs, Department of Revenue. Not less than two and not exceeding four Independent Members. One Member -not below the rank of Director - nominated by the Central Government, ex officio; and two Members representing the interests of the employees of the Major Port Authority." Local Panchayats, Municipalities, MLAs has no powers to appoint Members to the Board of Major Port Authority. 

9. Section 4 (1) States "The Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the Board shall be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of a select committee consisting of such manner, as may be prescribed." There is no transparency as to who and how select committee itself is formed. 

10. Section 3(2) makes Major Port autonomous and allows it to function as a landlord. The provision of this section states "The Board of each Major Port Authority under this Act shall be a permanent body having perpetual succession and a common seal with power, subject to the provisions of this Act, to acquire, hold or dispose of property, both movable and immovable, and to contract, and shall by the said name sue or be sued." 

This Law passed in the Parliament of India and assented to by the President of India is draconian and oppressive designed towards Blue grab of Goa's coastal area, riparian area and even the hinterlands. Constitution of India under Article 51-A (g) empowers citizens as a fundamental duty "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures." Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 is an anti-thesis of above cited Article 51-A(g) as it is designed - besides destruction of political institutions of democracy - ecocide of Goa's ecology by promoting various lethal coastal disruptions as they will be covered up as in "National Interest" as provided under section 22(3). 

In exercise of Fundamental Duty under Article 51-A(g) you are requested to pay attention to points raised above, express your dissent publicly and communicate your views to the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, Member of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. For the safety of Goa, its democracy and ecology Mormugao Port must be excluded from the applicability of Major Port Authorities Bill, 2021. People of Goa are not consulted before passing of this draconian law just the way we were not consulted before passing of National Wayetways Act 2016 wherein six rivers of Goa were included as National Waterways. 

Industrialization of Rivers, Industrialization of our Coasts are not Good for us in Goa. Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 is meant to usher in intensification of Industrialization of Goa's coast to facilitate another Ecologically disastrous project named Sagarmala, marinas at Nauxim and Sancoale, coal handling, construction of fresh jetties, double tracking of Railway tracks connecting port, decimation of western Ghats forest at Mollem etc. 

No nation can prosper by destroying the foundation of Economy. Foundation of Economy is ecology. It is in the national interest that Goa's ecology is protected at all costs from Major Port Authorities Act, 2021. 

We call upon you to speak up fearlessly. communicate boldly, articulate clearly and get Parliament of India to go for ammendment to delete Murmagao Port Trust from Major Ports Act 2021. 

Thanking you,  

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Copy to:  

1. Director of Fisheries, Panjim, Goa 

2. Convenor, National Platform for Small Scale  Fish Workers 

Petition to Goa MPs on draft Indian Marine Fisheries Bill 2021

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION  

190, Nauxi, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206 

______________________________________

Date: 22/10/2021

To,  

Shri Shripad Yesso Naik,

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from North Goa,

Union Minister of Shipping, National Waterways and Ports

Government of India

Old Goa, 

Goa 

To, 

Shri Fransisco Sardinha,

Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from South Goa, 

To, 

Shri Vinay Tendulkar,

Member of Parliament ( Rajya Sabha) from Goa

Subject: Regarding withdrawal of Indian Marine Fisheries Bill 2021 

Sir, 

In a rare exhibition of bureaucratic agility the Department of Fisheries of the Government of India in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, had brought in Indian Marine Fisheries Bill 2021 (IMFB 2021) just a few days before the last monsoon session of the Parliament and had been hell bent to pass it in that very session. The bill was supposed to provide a legal instrument to regulate and 

manage marine fishing in the Indian EEZ (200 nautical miles or 370 kilometres) beyond the territorial waters (12 nautical miles or 22 kilometres) and the high seas. Widespread disapproval of both the undemocratic procedure and anti small scale fisheries content of the bill has compelled the Government of India from pushing the bill through the last parliamentary session. But the bill may be put up in the next 

session. 

The IMFB 2021 has been drawn in a totally undemocratic process. Small scale marine fishing communities, by far the largest primary stakeholders, have been completely ignored. They were not even informed that the Government is going to make an Act to regulate and manage their livelihood activity. 

This blatantly violates the minimum constitutional standards and ethical principles (‘nothing about us without us’) for adoption of legislation for any section of citizens. The highhanded procedure has hurt the 

dignity of the fishing communities. The small scale fishing communities disdainfully reject IMFB 2021 because - did not ask for it, did not draft it, were not consulted on it and have not approved it. 

The procedure of making IMFB 2021, in ignoring the governments of coastal states, has violated

the constitutional principle of constructive federalism. 

Moreover, the bill has –

 Failed to reiterate adherence to the overarching principles like subsidiarity, participatory 

governance, gender justice, inter-gnerational equity and precautionary principle enshrined in the National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017; 

 Wrongfully defined ‘Small Scale Fisheries’. All kinds of fishing boats including manual, motorised and mechanised are included in the small-scale fisheries in the present bill. This means that trawlers, purse seiners and other large fishing boats will be treated as small scale. 

This is going to preclude the right of actual small-scale fishers to preferential access to fish resources and other entitlements regarding finance, infrastructure and welfare. 

 Failed to ensure the right of participation of the small-scale fishers in the framing of rules and 

constitution of bodies to be made for the execution of the proposed act which include – Monitoring Control and Surveillance, measures for promotion of livelihoods and socio-economic well-being of traditional and small-scale fishers, Marine Fisheries Development and Management Plans, Marine Fisheries Policy, ‘Consultative Committee’ for policy guidance and adjudication of violations. 

 Failed to provide guidelines for consideration of available resource and capacity of fishing with application of scale subsidiarity in licensing of fishing boats that would ensure control and 

reduction of the number and effort of larger fishing boats to stop over fishing; 

 Failed to provide statutory guidelines for migrant and vessel crew fish workers who are at work on larger vessels and fishing efforts.  The Government of India in the Department of Fisheries is in a hurry to push through the bill because World Trade Organisation (WTO) is threatening to stop all subsidies to and impose sanctions on the IUU (illegal, unregulated and unreported) fishing. Absence of statutory instrument to approve, regulate and 

account for the fishing effort and catch in the Indian EEZ made it fully exposed to the threat of being designated as IUU fishing and face the consequences of WTO sanctions including the fisheries subsidies. 

The threat is imminent as the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies are at their final stage.

It is obvious that not the urge to protect the small scale fishers, but to continue to protect the interests of the large scale fisheries entrepreneurs is behind this hurried drive to bring in the legislation. 

WTO sanctions on the trade and export of fish as well as on the fisheries subsidies are going to hit the large scale fisheries entrepreneurs the most as they are almost the sole, if not the sole, beneficiaries of these. The hidden objective of the Ministry in bringing up the instant legislation is also evident from the fact that they have designated almost all kinds of fishing in the EEZ as small scale glossing over the universally 

recognised distinctions and conflicts between the small scale subsistence fishing and large scale commercial fishing. 

Small scale fishers do not want subsidies; they want to get back their fisheries which have been forcibly taken away by the large scale fishing entrepreneurs with the connivance of the government. 

The small scale marine fishing communities of the country demand – 

 Immediate withdrawal of IMFB 2021; 

 Sincere effort on the part of the Government of India to initiate a process of comprehensive and 

inclusive consultation with the marine fishing communities all around the country’s coast to 

draw a draft bill for managing and regulating marine fishing; 

 Ensure availability of the draft bill in all the languages of Indian coastal fishing communities; 

 Place the bill in the parliament only on approval of the fishing communities and their 

organisations. 

SAVE WATER, SAVE FISH, SAVE FISHER PEOPLE 

Thanking you,  

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Copy to:  

1. Director of Fisheries, Panjim, Goa 

2. Convenor, National Platform for Small Scale  Fish Workers 

Regarding withrawal of Indian Marine Fisheries Bill

 ALL GOA SMALL SCALE RESPONSIBLE FISHERIES UNION  

190, Nauxi, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa. 403 206 

______________________________________

Date: 22/10/2021

To,  

Dr. Pramod Sawant

Chief Minister of Goa,

Government of Goa,

Secretariat, Porvorim,

Goa 

To, 

Shri Philip Neri Rodrigues,

Minister of Fisheries,

Government of Goa, 

Goa,

Subject: Regarding withdrawal of Indian Marine Fisheries Bill 2021 

Sir, 

In a rare exhibition of bureaucratic agility the Department of Fisheries of the Government of India in the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, had brought in Indian Marine Fisheries Bill 2021 (IMFB 2021) just a few days before the last monsoon session of the Parliament and had been hell bent to pass it in that very session. The bill was supposed to provide a legal instrument to regulate and 

manage marine fishing in the Indian EEZ (200 nautical miles or 370 kilometres) beyond the territorial waters (12 nautical miles or 22 kilometres) and the high seas. Widespread disapproval of both the undemocratic procedure and anti small scale fisheries content of the bill has compelled the Government of India from pushing the bill through the last parliamentary session. But the bill may be put up in the next 

session. 

The IMFB 2021 has been drawn in a totally undemocratic process. Small scale marine fishing communities, by far the largest primary stakeholders, have been completely ignored. They were not even informed that the Government is going to make an Act to regulate and manage their livelihood activity. 

This blatantly violates the minimum constitutional standards and ethical principles (‘nothing about us without us’) for adoption of legislation for any section of citizens. The highhanded procedure has hurt the 

dignity of the fishing communities. The small scale fishing communities disdainfully reject IMFB 2021 because - did not ask for it, did not draft it, were not consulted on it and have not approved it. 

The procedure of making IMFB 2021, in ignoring the governments of coastal states, has violated

the constitutional principle of constructive federalism. 

Moreover, the bill has –

 Failed to reiterate adherence to the overarching principles like subsidiarity, participatory 

governance, gender justice, inter-gnerational equity and precautionary principle enshrined in the National Policy on Marine Fisheries 2017; 

 Wrongfully defined ‘Small Scale Fisheries’. All kinds of fishing boats including manual, motorised and mechanised are included in the small-scale fisheries in the present bill. This means that trawlers, purse seiners and other large fishing boats will be treated as small scale. 

This is going to preclude the right of actual small-scale fishers to preferential access to fish resources and other entitlements regarding finance, infrastructure and welfare. 

 Failed to ensure the right of participation of the small-scale fishers in the framing of rules and 

constitution of bodies to be made for the execution of the proposed act which include – Monitoring Control and Surveillance, measures for promotion of livelihoods and socio-economic well-being of traditional and small-scale fishers, Marine Fisheries Development and Management Plans, Marine Fisheries Policy, ‘Consultative Committee’ for policy guidance and adjudication of violations. 

 Failed to provide guidelines for consideration of available resource and capacity of fishing with application of scale subsidiarity in licensing of fishing boats that would ensure control and 

reduction of the number and effort of larger fishing boats to stop over fishing; 

 Failed to provide statutory guidelines for migrant and vessel crew fish workers who are at work on larger vessels and fishing efforts.  The Government of India in the Department of Fisheries is in a hurry to push through the bill because World Trade Organisation (WTO) is threatening to stop all subsidies to and impose sanctions on the IUU (illegal, unregulated and unreported) fishing. Absence of statutory instrument to approve, regulate and 

account for the fishing effort and catch in the Indian EEZ made it fully exposed to the threat of being designated as IUU fishing and face the consequences of WTO sanctions including the fisheries subsidies. 

The threat is imminent as the WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies are at their final stage.

It is obvious that not the urge to protect the small scale fishers, but to continue to protect the interests of the large scale fisheries entrepreneurs is behind this hurried drive to bring in the legislation. 

WTO sanctions on the trade and export of fish as well as on the fisheries subsidies are going to hit the large scale fisheries entrepreneurs the most as they are almost the sole, if not the sole, beneficiaries of these. The hidden objective of the Ministry in bringing up the instant legislation is also evident from the fact that they have designated almost all kinds of fishing in the EEZ as small scale glossing over the universally 

recognised distinctions and conflicts between the small scale subsistence fishing and large scale commercial fishing. 

Small scale fishers do not want subsidies; they want to get back their fisheries which have been forcibly taken away by the large scale fishing entrepreneurs with the connivance of the government. 

The small scale marine fishing communities of the country demand – 

 Immediate withdrawal of IMFB 2021; 

 Sincere effort on the part of the Government of India to initiate a process of comprehensive and 

inclusive consultation with the marine fishing communities all around the country’s coast to 

draw a draft bill for managing and regulating marine fishing; 

 Ensure availability of the draft bill in all the languages of Indian coastal fishing communities; 

 Place the bill in the parliament only on approval of the fishing communities and their 

organisations. 

SAVE WATER, SAVE FISH, SAVE FISHER PEOPLE 

Thanking you,  

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar,

Secretary

Copy to:  

1. Director of Fisheries, Panjim, Goa 

2. Convenor, National Platform for Small Scale  Fish Workers 

NPSSFW statement in Goa Press

Sebastian Rodrigues, National Council Member of National Platform for Small Scale Fish Workers (NPSSFW) issued statement against menancing illegal trawling and purse seine fishing in Zuari river. Navhind Times published the same with some censorship in their daily. Here it is hyperlinked. 

We publish as a matter of historical record uncensored statement that was widely shared and debated on social media as below:

Illegal fishing in zuari with political patronage

Today September 22, 2021 at 4.00 pm eight trawlers carried on illegal fishing in Zuari river at Siridao- Cacra- Odxel stretch. There is also reported daily trawlers and purseiners carrying on illegal fishing in Zuari river. Culprits are from Vasco and Agassaim as per the reliable sources. Minister of Fisheries Philip Neri Rodrigues along with several politicians like Michael Lobo are involved promoting and protecting illegal fishing in Zuari river. Director of Fisheries Shamila Monteiro has proved to be useless in discharging her duties. She was once thrown out from the department but consistent lobbying by Olencio Simoes has brought her back in the office to destroy marine life by promoting illegal trawling and purseinig in violation of Fisheries department rules and regulations.

Few days ago Six purse seine boats were caught in the Act of illegal by police and all of them were released after alleged political pressure from Ports Minister and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo.

All Goa Small Scale Respinsible Fisheries Union had two rounds of discussions with Goa Fisheries Minister. He continues to give same old excuse that there is no staff to operate patrol boat with Fisheries department. 

St. Andre MLA Francis Silveira had publicly called for ban on illegal fishing by trawlers and purse seine boat owners at specially called public meeting in Bambolim two years ago. He however is keeping silent   that indicate that he is no longer interested protecting interest of small scale fishers in Zuari.

Sanjay Pereira speaks to media on illegal purse seine fishing in Zuari

 Here is online links to Sanjay Pereira interview on illegal fishing in zuari river by purse seine fishin boats from Vasco and Nerul.