The Hindu : New Delhi News : Fishermen Protection Act shortly: Jairam

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Fishermen Protection Act shortly: Jairam

Prakash Kamat

PANAJI: Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said that similar to the ‘Forest Rights Act’ passed by Parliament in 2006 to protect the interests of tribal communities living in forests, Parliament would shortly legislate the ‘Fishermen Protection Act’ to safeguard the interests of fishermen.

Mr. Ramesh gave the indication in south Goa on Sunday at the public hearing over the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 1991. “I am committed to bring this Act and even the Prime Minister is keen. By December, we might pass it,” he said.

The Minister assured Goans of protecting all non-commercial coastal structures constructed prior to 1991 by amending the CRZ notification. “The Government will shortly amend the CRZ Act 1991 to safeguard the livelihood of traditional fishermen and toddy tappers of Goa,” he said.

“The amendment is to safeguard the livelihoods of fishermen, toddy tappers, and other people involved in similar business. However, we will not protect hotels and industries even if they are owned by MLAs and MPs,” Mr. Ramesh said.

He said he directed the State government to seek more time from the High Court so that the ministry could complete its re-survey on the status of about 8,500 houses that are facing the axe for CRZ violation.

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