The Aam Aadmi Party has expressed support to the ramponkars and traditional fishermen of Caranzalem in Taleigao.
A delegation consisting of Campaign Committee Vice-Chairperson Mrs. Alina Saldanha and Vice-President Valmiki Naik met members of the Caranzalem Raponkar and Traditional Fishermen Association, who were upset over illegal water sports activity being carried out in the Caranzalem Bay.
Naik said the coastal area in question from Goa Science Centre to Raj Bhavan is a important point of confluence of the River Mandovi, River Zuari, and the Arabian Sea.
“This area is rich in marine life, with very little pollution compared to other areas which are polluted with heavy activity such as casinos, shipping etc. This is a fishing hotspot, and almost 25 varieties of fish can be found here. Moreover, the traditional ramponkars have been fishing here for generations, and more than 2,000 people depend on this traditional activity for their livelihoods”, Naik said.
Saldanha condemned the fact that the water sports activities had started without any permissions, or taking any of the stakeholders into confidence.
“Water sports activities are restricted to demarcated zones. None of departments seem to have any idea how the activity started in this fishing area. This sort of brazen violation is unacceptable. The fishermen depend on this area for their livelihood, and this is a threat to their very existence. We will support them to resist this tooth and nail, as this is not just about Caranzalem, but other traditional fishing areas of Goa can be threatened in the same way if this is not stopped here and now”, Saldanha said.
The ramponkars expressed happiness that Mrs. Saldanha is carrying on the legacy of late Mr. Mathany Saldanha who spearheaded various movements and campaigns to protect the rights of the traditional fishermen of not just Goa but across the coast of India.
