MAPUSA
In a significant move to safeguard Goan waters from illegal fishing activities, the State government has established a dedicated enforcement team to monitor and intercept outstation fishing boats encroaching into the region’s maritime boundaries.
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar, while addressing concerns raised by local fishermen, confirmed the formation of this specialised unit tasked with curbing the unauthorised activities of boats from neighbouring states.
For some time now, local fishermen have voiced grievances over outstation boats entering Goan waters, often in bold defiance of the law, to engage in illegal fishing operations.
These incursions not only disrupt the fishing ecosystem but also deprive local fishermen of their rightful earnings.
“These boats are depriving our fishermen of their livelihood. We need to protect our waters and the resources that our people depend on,” Halarnkar stated.
Acknowledging the severity of the issue, Halarnkar emphasised that the government has taken a multi-pronged approach to address the challenge.
“We have sanctioned an enforcement team comprising one deputy director, two superintendents, and two police officials. This team will conduct raids and intercept outstation boats illegally entering our waters,” the minister announced.
He also confirmed that the enforcement team would be equipped with adequate resources and infrastructure to carry out their duties effectively.
In addition to the newly formed enforcement team, the coastal police will continue their independent inspections at sea. Their role will be to further supplement the state’s efforts to clamp down on illegal fishing activities.
By bringing together both the enforcement team and coastal police, the government hopes to establish a robust framework for monitoring and maintaining the integrity of Goan waters.
CHOLERA OUTBREAK
While speaking on the recent cholera outbreak reported at Cutbona jetty, which occurred shortly after the fishing season resumed on August 1, the Fisheries Minister said that the infection was traced back to migrant workers from Karnataka, Bihar and other States who had joined the fishing workforce at the jetty.
“The cholera infection was brought by these migrant workers when they arrived to begin work at the jetty,” he explained.
“The government took immediate steps to contain the spread and ensured that the outbreak did not extend beyond the affected area,” Halarnkar said.
He confirmed that no fresh cases of cholera had been reported in recent days, reassuring the public that the situation is under control.
