Barges break fishing stakes

By Babluis Pereira, Pomburpa in Herald, May 05, 2009.

Mining activity has picked up, and iron-ore laden barges are navigating in Goa’s inland waterways round the clock. They do not follow the rules, and no checks are conducted by the concerned authority. There is a hue and cry among traditional fishing stake operators that barges are damaging fishing stakes from the Penha de France Church up to Calvim and Sirsaim loading jetty, causing them heavy losses. During Portuguese rule, strict night patrolling was conducted by the office of the Captain of Ports. Barges were checked to verify if they had search lights, licences of crews, and barge documents. There was a heavy penalty, and no such untoward incidents occurred. Now, in Democracy Raj, nobody fears anybody.

Earlier, mine owners used to run their own barges, the barge crew was all of Goan origin, and they knew the routes. Now, mining companies use hired barges, the crews are all outstation, and lack knowledge of Goa’s inland waters. The main problem at night is that the barge tandels drink, relax in their cabins, and entrust the helm to inexperienced khalasis who, due to lack of experience, run over stakes even when a light is tied to them!

Damaged fishing stakes are still lying non-operational. Fishermen fear that if they sink new stakes spending thousands of rupees, they may get run over once again. The victims have knocked the doors of the Fisheries Minister, the Director of Fisheries and the Captain of Ports, but nobody is willing to give a patient ear. One even said that only if they provided the barge number could they take action. Do they expect fishing stakes operators to set up powerful searchlights and sit up all night with pen and paper to write down the barge number?

The problem is highlighted every season before the concerned authority, that the barges are destroying the traditional fishermen’s livelihood. What measures have the authorities taken? Have they at least published a warning for barge operators in the English and Marathi newspapers? It shows that the Aam Admi government has no regard for the people, and only protects the interests of the mining lobby.