Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Jun 22: Benaulim’s fishing community is looking to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for a long-overdue resolution to their pressing demand — dedicated land to berth their traditional fishing vessels. Their hopes surged recently as government officials, acting on the CM’s directives, carried out an official inspection of the defunct Benaulim hatchery site to assess the feasibility of allocating land for the fishermen.

Deputy Collector of Margao M. Shabir and Salcete Mamlatdar Vimod Dalal led the inspection, accompanied by a delegation of local fishermen. The visit followed instructions from South Goa District Collector Egna Cleetus after the CM took note of the issue. The fishermen are seeking 5,000 square metres of the nearly 50,000 square metre hatchery plot, which has remained unused for years, with derelict tanks and abandoned infrastructure marking its landscape.

Fishermen on site explained how the lack of dedicated berthing facilities had forced them to use private shorelines for years — an arrangement that’s now crumbling under legal pressure. Several property owners have issued complaints this year, prompting the Fisheries Department to issue removal notices and even threaten license cancellations if boats are not cleared from private land.

Deputy Collector Shabir acknowledged the validity of the fishermen’s concerns and confirmed that the land’s proximity to the shore made it suitable for their needs. “We’ve conducted the site visit and understood the hardships the fishermen face during the off-season. A report will be submitted to the District Collector, who will then escalate the matter to the state government,” he assured.

Jose Fernandes, President of the Benaulim fishing association, stressed the significance of securing the hatchery land not just for berthing but also for core fishing activities like drying and storing fish. “This land would allow us to work without the constant fear of eviction or penalties,” he said.

Local fisherman Pele Fernandes thanked the Chief Minister for initiating the inspection and expressed hope that this would lead to final resolution. “We are grateful that the CM has honoured his word. Now we hope he’ll ensure that this long-pending demand is finally met,” he said.

However, fishermen might not be the only ones eyeing the now-vacant hatchery space.

Sources have revealed that Goa Police officials have also inspected the same property as a potential site to relocate the Colva police station, which currently operates out of a cramped, rented building. With a shortage of land for official infrastructure, senior officers are reportedly considering a portion of the hatchery land for a permanent police station and personnel barracks. A proposal is expected to be submitted to the government soon.

This dual interest in the unused hatchery land has set the stage for potential overlap in priorities, even as the fishing community hopes their long-standing need will take precedence.