MARGAO: The All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union has voiced strong criticism against the government’s support for the proposed Nauxim AHOY Marina project in the Zuari River. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other relevant authorities, the union has urged an immediate withdrawal of government support, citing potential harm to the river and negative impacts on fisheries activities.
Union President Shaila D’Mello and Union Secretary Laximan Mangueshkar highlighted their urgent concern regarding the draft Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which reportedly indicates that the Nauxim Marina could have long-term irreversible effects on Zuari River fisheries. The union leaders emphasized the need for the Chief Minister to reconsider his advocacy for the marina project to prevent irreversible harm.
Expressing worries about the significant and lasting negative impact on the Zuari River’s fisheries activities, the union leaders stated, “It is not short-term harm. The impact will be irreversible. It will never be possible to undo the harm caused. That means Zuari river fishery will be forever destroyed.” They urged the Chief Minister to retract support for the AHOY Marina project, asserting that if the project proceeds, it could lead to the “suicide” of Goa’s fishery.
The union leaders pointed out that the draft EIA by the project proponents themselves acknowledges the potential doom of Zuari River fishery. They raised concerns about the lease deeds for both the Nauxim and Sancoale marinas, alleging that these documents only prioritize the safety of barges navigating the river, neglecting the existence of fishing canoes. The union suggested that, on record, the marinas in Nauxim and Sancoale appear to be strategic moves aimed at undermining the robust Zuari river fishery.
Copies of the letter have been sent to ministers, secretaries, and senior officials of the Fisheries, Revenue, and Environment Departments, as well as local panchayats and MLAs. The union’s appeal underscores the need for careful consideration of the environmental and fisheries implications before moving forward with the Nauxim AHOY Marina project.
