National fishworkers’ forum (NFF) slammed Environment Minister Nilesh Cabral for proposing a special amendment to the CRZ notification 2019, which itself is likely to destroy the coastline and coastal ecology of the state of Goa.
Olencio Simoes, the general secretary of NFF, has stated that allowing sand mining, omitting fish breeding areas and allowing commercial activities in fishing ward areas will ultimately not only destroy the fishing industry but will submerge all coastal villages across Goa.
Olencio stated that sand mining was allowed in Thottappally Beach in the Alappuzha district in Kerala as this sand was rich in minerals used to manufacture nuclear bombs. But the impact of sand mining has submerged several villages and has destroyed several other vital occupations like farming, etc.
NFF has warned the state government that the proposed amendment should be immediately withdrawn, or the government itself will be responsible for any catastrophic event that devastates the state of Goa.
