Vasco, Sep 26 (TOI) : Traditional fishermen from Vasco have asked for an inquiry and action against Union minister for shipping, Nitin Gadkari, and others who inaugurated the work of Mormugao Port Trust's dredging work on January 1. They have also asked for the suspension of MPT chairman I Jeyakumar.

In a press conference by Old Cross fishing owners' association co-operative society limited and Baina ramponkar and fishing canoe and fishing owners' society, the fishermen of Khariawada, Desterro and Baina objected to the "so-called developmental work" undertaken by Gadkari on pretext of helping the fishermen of Goa. Goenchea Ramponkaracho Ekvott also attended the press conference.


President of the Old Cross fishing owners' association co-operative society limited, Custodio D'Souza said, "There have been many illegalities under Gadkari with the help of the present BJP government. As they did not listen to us, we approached the National Green Tribunal and it ordered to stop dredging of the sea from 14.5m depth to 19.5m."


The fishermen also objected to the construction of mini-harbours and asked the government to stop interfering in their business. D'Souza said, "It will be better if the government leaves the fishing community of Goa on its own rather then create a nuisance by way of so-called development."


"The dredging work at MPT would have proved disastrous. The government is not taking the fishermen of Goa into confidence while taking any decision," said D'Souza.

The fishermen demanded that not only Gadkari and Jeyakumar, but, all those who were there for the inaugural function should be taken to task for the gross illegality.