Objections to Blue Flag Accredition to Siridao beach

15 April 2024

To,

The Director of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Paryatan Bhavan,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Objections to Blue Flag Accredition to Siridao beach

Sir,

We have come to know from media reports (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/crz-nod-given-for-amenities-meeting-blue-flag-standards-at-siridao-beach/articleshow/109014044.cms) that Goa Tourism Department has taken nod from Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) to provide Blue Flag certification to Siridao beach.

Our investigations in this regard has revealed the following insights:

1. The purpose of getting Denmark standards of Beaches is known as Blue Flag certification for portion of Siridao beach is for catering to the exclusive Tourism purpose. 

2. After interaction with gillnet fishers on Siridao Beach it is revealed that none were consulted by your office before taking the Blue Flag decision. This way of decision-making that exclude and dispense fishing communities from governance is a political tragedy.

3. The method of decision-making adopted by your office with regards to Blue Flag certification for Siridao beach threatens to expel fishing communities at Siridao from the fishing based livelihoods currently practiced at Siridao beach. This we totally object to.

4. Brief history of Blue Flag certification of Goa's Beaches reveals that Velsao and Miramar fishermen had already rejected the same during past years for creating threats to fishing occupations by intruding on to fishing boat spaces.

5. Fishing communities are bestowed with the role of "stewards" of the coast in SSF voluntary Guidelines, a piece of international law that India is signatory too. Non-consulting fishing communities on Blue Flag certification of Siridao beach therefore constitutes violation of international fishing jurisprudence and you are required to review your style of functioning vis-a-vis fishing communities on Siridao Beach and all other beaches in Goa. 

6. We request your office to maintain cleanliness of all the Beaches in Goa. Current status of Beaches in Goa including Siridao beach is pathetic. Beaches are littered with plastics and broken glass pieces. Due to wrong touristic publicity to Goa on its liberal liquor policy several groups of people are seen visiting Beaches, consuming alcohol and afterwards break the bottles on the beach itself creating health and safety issue for everyone working and visiting the beaches. This gross abuse has made several beaches in Goa including Siridao beach dangerous. You are requested to launch a program to address this rather than creating exclusive tourist use beaches with all the infrastructure objectionable to fishing communities.

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) in a meeting held on 11 April 2024 examined this issue of Siridao beach from fishing perspective and decided to initiate suitable moves.

We hereby request your office to abort your plans to designate Siridao beach as Blue Flag certified destination for exclusive tourist enjoyment and stop your practice of excluding local fishing communities from the decision-making process concerning Goa's coastal and riparian geographies.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Copy to

Director of Fisheries, 

Panaji, Goa

Member-Secretary, 

Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority, 

Panaji, Goa

Shri Viresh Borkar,

M.L.A, 

St. Andre Constituency,

Goa

Sarpanch, 

Village Panchayat,

Siridao, Goa

Blue Flag certification to Siridao beach?

 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/crz-nod-given-for-amenities-meeting-blue-flag-standards-at-siridao-beach/articleshow/109014044.cms

Whom did in Siridao Tourism Department consult before taking this decision of declaring Siridao beach for Blue Flag certification?

Why fishing Orgnisations/ Associations/Unions involved in fishing activities in Zuari river not consulted?

Why did consultative mechanism has been dispensed with by Goa Government?

Why this Blue certification issue being pushed through authoritative manner?

Why no one from Tourism Department nor from Coastal Zone Management Authority visited fishing communities engaged in fishing in Zuari before taking such major decision on Siridao Beach?

Tourism Department currently treats fishing communities with contempt as is reflected from its order to do away with need for NOC from Fisheries department in August 2022. Is Blue Flag another aggression and insult to fishing communities of Zuari river that needs Red Flag from fishing communities?

Aren't fishing communities on Siridao Beach live in peace without any colour classification to the beach?

Haven't Tourism Department messaged up fishing in Mandovi River through casinos already? This Department and GTDC want to spread their invasive tentacles even further to take entire Goa captive?

This issue is not just about Siridao. It's about Tourism Department taking control of Beaches unilaterally dispensing with consultative process and issuing declarations from the ivory tower. Who gave them the authority to do so?

Few years back in 2019 Tourism Department had declared Miramar beach for Blue Flag certification. Consultation was organised by North Goa Collector. At the consultation local fishermen opposed Blue Flag certification plan and Government had to stall its plans.

The issue is about pushing back institutional invasion of Goa's coast from Tourism Department and about reclaiming also the lost grounds. We need concerted efforts in this direction in innovative ways.

Please write back with your ideas or launch your own initiatives in this direction.

Mechanised fishing reported near Dona Paula Jetty

 07 April 2024

To,

The Superitendent of Police,

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa 

To,

The Director,

Department of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Mechanised fishing-Serious matter concerning WP 2844/23 at Goa Bench of Bombay High Court

Madam/Sir,

This is to bring to your attention that mechanised fishing through purse seine fishing gear was carried on within two kilometers from Dona Paula Jetty on 07 April 2024 between 5.30 pm to 6.00 pm.

This indicates that all the measures that Director of Fisheries and Superitendent of Fisheries, Coastal Security has promised in the Court affidavit is not functional as no patrol boat from any of the concerned Governments are seen near Dona Paula Jetty.

You are requested to take urgent note on this breach and take necessary steps to avoid similar incidents in near future.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary, AGSSRFU

Copy to:

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Compulsion to converse in English by Fisheries surveyor

03 April 2024

To,

The Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Compulsion from Fisheries Surveyor to speak 

English by fishers of Bambolim, Nauxim villages

Madam,

We wish to bring to your attention that English speaking has been made compulsory for fishing communities by Fisheries surveyor of Goa Fisheries department in Bambolim, Nauxim villages.

Currently mass of fishing communities of these villages doesn't have fluency in and understanding of English and most mode of verbal communication is in Konkani. This has created obstacles in fishing related communications with Fisheries Surveyor deputed in these villages. We appreciate good intention of your Fisheries Surveyor in his approach towards English though currently not equipped with skills to do so.

In order to make fishing communities proficient in spoken English dealing with Fisheries Surveyor we request you the following:

1. Depute staff from your office to train adult fishing community members from Bambolim, Nauxim and other villages/places/localities/territory within the administration Jurisdiction of Fisheries Surveyor Harish Prabhu to teach English. 

This will alleviate linguistic hardships currently faced by fishing communities due to adamant insistence to speak speak English with Mr. Prabhu.

We will collaborate with Fisheries department as English proficiency will be beneficial to fishing communities towards self-empowerment while dealing with such Fisheries surveyors and beyond. 

Till this arrangement for adult Education program for spoken English is carried on appropriate instruction be given to the above named Fisheries Officer to make communications fishing communities easy and seemless preferably in Konkani till linguistic skills of our communities are upgraded by your office.

Thanking you in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar

(Secretary)

In solidarity with Caranzalem fishers of Arabian Sea

03 April 2024

To,

The Director,

Department of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

To,

The Director,

Department of Fisheries,

Panaji, Goa

To,

M.L.A

Panaji Constituency, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Objections to Water sports at Caranzalem beach

Madam/Sir,

It have come to our attention through media reports that traditional fishing communities engaged in small scale fishing at Caranzalem beach are facing threat to their livelihoods due to push for water sports by the Goa Tourism Department. We share links to the media reports that went online on 21 March 2024 to you as under:

https://www.heraldgoa.in/News-Today/Caranzalem-raponkars-oppose-demarcation-of-water-sports-zone-at-Caranzalem/219263 

https://youtu.be/paYYK0Vupnw?si=oikzSbQZx-p-GsJv

All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union took cognizance of the above two media reports during our meeting on 27 March 2024 and examined the seriousness of the looming threats before fishing communities due to the water sports at various sections of Caranzalem beach.

Resolutions to support fishing communities at Caranzalem beach against water sports was passed during the meeting.

In the light of the above context you are requested to desist from engaging in any kind of water sports activities at Caranzalem beach that is disturbing and disruptive to the traditional and small scale fishing activities.

Kindly communicate this message to all the concerned for necessary action.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

(President)

Laximan Mangueshkar

(Secretary)

Copy to:

President,

Caranzalem Ramponkar & Traditional Fishermen Association,

H.No. 165, Near Rayan Gas Godown, Poder, Dando, Caranzalem, Tiswadi, Goa.

Illegal mechanised fishing near Dona Paula Jetty

 08 March 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police

Coastal Security

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries,

Government of Goa

Panaji, Goa

To,

Captain of Ports,

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Illegal mechanised fishing in Zuari river near Dona Paula Jetty in violation of High Court directions dated January 09, 2024 in WP 2844 of 2023

Sir/ Madam,

Two incidents of mechanised fishing through use of purse seine nets are reported in Zuari river near Dona Paula Jetty on 07 March 2024. The first one at 4.00 am and the second one at 6.30 pm.

No police patrol boat nor patrol boat from Fisheries department intercepted the illegal fishing boats. This is serious lapse in enforcement mechanism and proves that instead of Police and Fisheries department mechanised fishing lobby is exercising their Writ in Zuari river to violate the law of the land that prohibits mechanised fishing within 05 kms from the coast.

We have brought the violation to the attention of Coastal Security Police via their mobile number 7875756073. However we are not updated by DYSP Coastal security if any action has been taken on the matter.

We will report this to the Hon'ble Bombay High Court.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar 

Secretary, AGSSRFU

Copy to:

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Goa

Deputy Superitendent of Police

Coastal Security,

Ribandar, Goa

Water sports obstructions to fishing activities in Zuari

07 March 2024

To,

Minister of Tourism,

Government of Goa,

Porvorim, Goa

To,

Secretary (Tourism)

Government of Goa,

Porvorim,

Goa

To,

The Director,

Department of Tourism,

Paryatan Bhavan, 

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Water Sports obstructions to fishing activities in Zuari river river

Sir/Madam, 

This is to bring to your urgent attention obstructions faced by fishing communities due to water sports activities in Zuari river. Water sports activities permitted by Department of Tourism in the name of 'ease of doing business' bypassing Department of Fisheries as well as local Panchayat bodies has triggered disruption of fishing activities in Zuari river. Movement of water sports boats has invaded fishing spaces in Zuari river causing tearing of gillnets casted in the river as well as creating sound vibrations that chase away fish from the usual undisturbed Zuari river habitats.

In the above context we call upon your office the following:

1. Revoke all the ecistinf permissions granted to water sports activities in Zuari river waters with immidiate effect from Taleigao coast to Siridao coasts covering villages of Odxel, Cacra, Nauxim, Bambolim and Siridao.

2. Deny granting of any new permissions to water sports in Zuari river involving Territories mentioned at point no.1above.

We look forward to your co-operation and compliance to this letter to ensure smooth conduct of fishing activities by small scale fishing communities in Zuari river.

Thanking you.

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary, AGSSRFU 

Copy to

1. Director of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

2. Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Panaji, Goa

3. Captain of Ports, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

4. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Siridao, Tiswadi, Goa

5. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Bambolim, Tiswadi, Goa

6. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Santa Cruz, Tiswadi, Goa

7. Sarpanch, Village Panchayat, Taleigao, Tiswadi, Goa

In response to call letter from Harbour Police Station in mechanised fishing matter

01 March 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police,

Coastal Security,

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject : Call letter dated 28/02/2024 from Pradip R. Velip, Police Inspector, Harbour Coastal Security Police Station in connection with Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023 at Goa Bench of Bombay High Court

Sir/Madam,

We are in receipt of yet another call letter from Harbour Coastal Security Police Station in connection with our complaints on illegal trawling and purse seine fishing in Zuari river dated 01/02/2024 and 22/02/2024, both addressed to your office along with evidence of violation of Goa Bench of Bombay High Court Order dated 09/01/2024 in Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023 which we have already inwarded to your office on 27/02/2024.

This to place on record that in response to earlier call letter dated 22/02/2024 from Rohidas K.Velip, PSI on the same matter we visited Harbour Coastal Security Police Station on 26/02/2024. During our time at the Police station we were shown documents containing internal notings by the Office of Superitendent of Police on our complaint dated 01/02/2024 directing Harbour Coastal Security Police Station to call meeting of both the Parties. 

Now we find this direction from the office of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security extremely objectionable in the light of following context:

1. It is legal duty of the office of Director of Fisheries as well as Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security to prevent mechanised fishing within 5 kms from the shore as the the prevalent law in force.

2. There is standing order of the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court dated 09 January 2024 in Writ Petition no. 2844 of 2023  that has specifically alerted both Director of Fisheries as well as Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security against allowing any mechanised fishing within 5 kms specified area as per the law.

3. Inspite of the High Court Order mentioned at point no.2  both Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security as well as Director of Fisheries allowed massive mechanised fishing inside Zuari river to go on during mid-night on 31/01/2024. The digital evidence of the same with GPS locations of the venue of mechanised fishing within specified area is already inwarded to your office via our letter dated 22/02/2024 in pendrive. 

4. Following from above point nos 1, 2, & 3 all the details of the violations of High Order dated 09 January 2024 is communicated to your office in completion. All that your office has to do is initiate action and submit your compliance report to the Hon'ble Goa Bench of Bombay High Court. 

5. Hence the directions of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security given via internal notings on our complaint dated 01/02/2024 to call for meeting of both the parties at Harbour Coastal Security Police Station is wrong and needs to be withdrawn immidiately as it is in violation of law in force and we shall be constrained to report to the Hon'able High Court the conduct of the office of Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security.

6. As the current matter in sub-judice state due to litigation at High Court via mentioned Writ Petition we will not be attending any meetings with those involved in mechanised fishing within specified area of 5 kms as there is nothing to be negotiated at all. So in this context kindly issue necessary directions to the Police Inspector, Harbour Coastal Security Police Station and keep us informed.

Additionally, if there is need for the meeting with our Union to discuss policy matters relating to preventive measures needed in addition to what contains already in our petition then let it be convened through proper protocols through the office of Advocate General to the Government of Goa involving also Director of Fisheries, Superitendent of Fisheries, Captain of Ports etc, and we will participate.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Shaila D'mello

President

Laximan Mangueshkar 

Secretary

Copy to

Chief Justice,

Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Police Inspector, 

Harbour Coastal Security Police Station

Reply to police call letter on sub judice matter

26 February 2024

To,

The Police Inspector,

Coastal Security Police Station,

Harbour, Vasco, Goa

Subject: Call letter dated dated 22/2/2024 from Rohidas K. Velip PSI, Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco

Sir,

Please take note of paragraph 07 of the attached Order dated 9th January 2024 of the Goa Bench of Bombay High Court in Writ Petition no.2844 in connection with your call letter addressed to the President, All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union as under:

"In the meantime, we direct the prohibition as emanating from the notification issued by the State Government in respect of the use of mechanised vehicles which be strictly ensured by the authorised officer and other authorities concerned failing which the Court may be constrained to initiate appropriate action against those responsible for unabated mechanised fishing despite prohibition."

Kindly take note of the above contents in the inquiry proceedings.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President, AGSSRFU 

Laxman Mangueshkar 

Sectetary, AGSSRFU

Copy to

Chief Justice, Goa Bench of Bombay High Court, Porvorim, Goa

Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Panaji, Goa

Director of Fisheries, Government of Goa, Panaji, Goa

Digital evidence on illegal mechanised fishing in zuari river

 22 February 2024

To,

Superitendent of Police, 

Coastal Security

Panaji, Goa

To,

Director of Fisheries, 

Government of Goa,

Panaji, Goa

Subject: Digital evidence of illegal fishing in Zuari river in reference to our complaint dated 01/02/2024 to your office with regard to writ petition 2844 of 2023 before Goa Bench of Hon'able Bombay High Court 

Sir/Madam,

Please pendrive containing digital evidence illegal fishing in Zuari River for the purpose of prosecution and action against those trawlers and purse seine boats caught on GPS camera. 

From 20 February 2024 to 21 February 2024 some members of All Goa Small Scale Responsible Fisheries Union (AGSSRFU) has received phone calls from someone claiming to be policeman attached to Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco using mobile phone number 9922976943. Caller has been inviting our Union leadership to strike a compromise on illegal mechanised fishing at River Zuari.

We strongly condemn such invitation from this caller for compromise in illegal fishing in Zuari river and request your attention to the following issues:

1. Who authorised caller to give phone calls to AGSSRFU members to compromise on illegal mechanised fishing?

2. AGSSRFU if required to be present at police station, concerned officials of Coastal Police station must share call letter inviting for the meeting along with the purpose of such meeting with us.

Kindly note once again that we stand to co-operate fully with coastal security police to nab the illegal trawlers and purse seiners provided police follow proper procedure by inviting our Union with call letter.

Kindly also note that we will not tolerate any undue pressure from police to compromise with those committing crimes of illegal fishing through trawling and purse seine in Zuari river as this matter is sub-judice before Goa Bench of Bombay High Court via Writ petition no. 2844 of 2023 and we will report pressure on us to compromise to the Hon'able Court.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely, 

Shaila D'mello

President 

Laximan Mangueshkar

Secretary

Copy to 

1. Police Inspector, Coastal Security Police Station, Harbour, Vasco, Goa

2. Deputy Superitendent of Police, Coastal Security, Ribandar, Goa