Daijiworld Media Network- Margao
Margao, Feb 1: The tenant associations of Loutolim have raised serious concerns over the government's decision to mandate a 20% deposit of the auctioned lease amount for fishing rights at sluice gates and tree leases before signing agreements.
The associations argue that this change will place a financial burden on leaseholders and local fishermen, many of whom rely solely on this livelihood. As a result, the signing of lease agreements for fishing rights remains on hold until the required 20% payment is made to the government treasury.
A delegation from the tenant associations recently met with environment minister Aleixo Sequeira, urging his intervention after previously submitting a representation to the revenue minister. The Minister assured the delegation that he would bring their concerns to the government for reconsideration.
The six tenant associations—Sucofond Condalem tenant association, Derbat Tamxell tenant association, Vattais tenant association, Carbot Cantor Mascasana & Bebdo tenant association, Noczana tenant association, and Sonfator tenant association—have strongly objected to the amendment to Rule 8 of the Agricultural Tenancy Act. This rule now requires full payment of the auctioned lease amount before an agreement is signed.
Alberto Pinheiro, chairman of the Carbot Cantor Mascasana & Bebdo tenant association, highlighted the challenges posed by the new rule. “If implemented, local fishermen will suffer as they cannot afford to pay the entire auction amount upfront, with an additional 20% deposit to the government,” he said.
Pinheiro emphasized that sluice gates require round-the-clock monitoring, as water level mismanagement can destroy entire crops. “Fish and crops are our village’s wealth, shared by fishermen and farmers alike,” he added.
Most leaseholders of these fishing rights are local fishermen with no alternative income sources. Previously, payments were made in four instalments, easing financial strain. The tenant associations have urged the government to restore the previous system.
With rising labour costs, maintaining bunds with current auction earnings is already difficult. An additional 20% deposit would further strain funds allocated for sluice gate upkeep.
“Every three years, the khazan land is dried, and during this period, the sluice gate auction earnings are negligible. Maintenance is covered using funds saved from the previous two wet seasons,” Pinheiro explained. He noted that the wooden sluice gate doors need replacement every two years due to saltwater corrosion, with each gate costing approximately Rs 3 lac for materials and carpentry.
The tenant associations continue to appeal for a rollback of the amendment to ensure the sustainability of traditional fishing and agricultural practices in the region.