Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that fishermen from other States found fishing in the territorial waters off Goa will be arrested and slapped with hefty fines.
Sawant said he has issued directions to law enforcement authorities to arrest these fishermen, impose fines up to Rs 10 lakh and seize their boats.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant chaired a review meeting at the Mantralaya, attended by the Minister for Fisheries, the Director of Fisheries, and other departmental officials.
He said that Illegal fishing activities by non-Goan fishermen have become a growing menace. This government will not allow them to steal the livelihoods of our traditional fishermen who have been fishing sustainably for generations
He further informed that several key issues and initiatives within the Department of Fisheries were discussed. He also mentioned that traditional fishermen from Goa participated, raising concerns about illegal fishing by vessels from other states.
CM has assured the fishermen that strict action would be taken against illegal activities, with a directive for the department to coordinate closely with the Coastal Police.
He also additionally said that the meeting also covered important topics, such as the progress of the PMMSY scheme, the rollout of Kisan Credit Cards for fishermen, the construction of a Sulabh Souchalaya complex at Cutbona, the continuation of the VAT subsidy scheme, and the upgradation of the Malim jetty.
Sawant reiterated that the Goa Government remains committed to addressing the challenges faced by the fishing community while enhancing infrastructure and support systems to promote sustainable fishing practices.
