Mapusa: In a high-level meeting of the Pernem Fishermen’s Association that was held recently, local fisherfolk from the Mandrem constituency have demanded that the coastal belt stretching from Morjim to Tiracol be declared a dedicated fishing zone.The fisherfolk sought a permanent resolution for the recurring legal threats to traditional dwelling units and storage huts under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules.They highlighted that while large ancestral houses are increasingly being repurposed for tourism — serving as hotels and shops to sustain families — the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority has frequently placed locals on the defensive.“The traditional huts and houses of our fisherfolk are being targeted under CRZ provisions even though they have existed for generations,” said association president, Bhim Pednekar.The community is now seeking a legal shield that recognises their customary rights over the shoreline, ensuring that tourism development does not displace the original custodians of the coast.Mandrem MLA Jit Arolkar assured the community that govt would take up their cause in court. “We are committed to providing justice to our fisherfolk brethren. During the drafting of the new Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), we will formally present these objections,” Arolkar said.The push for a dedicated fishing zone comes on the heels of the recent foundation stone laying for the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Village (CRCFV) at Arambol. While the CRCFV project focuses on infrastructure, the local demand for a fishing zone adds a crucial layer of legal tenure.
