Goan Fisher Leader Olencio Seminoes Criticizes Central Government Over Sagarmala Project at Global Forum

In a strong condemnation, Goan fisher leader Olencio Seminoes has vehemently criticized the Indian central government for its handling of the Sagarmala project, a massive port development initiative aimed at modernizing India’s ports. Seminoes voiced his concerns at a global forum for fisher people held in Brazil, where he represented India. During his address, Seminoes highlighted the severe impact the Sagarmala project is expected to have on the livelihoods of fishermen in Goa. He emphasized that the project, part of a broader national initiative to enhance port infrastructure, poses significant environmental and socio-economic risks to the local fishing communities. “The Sagarmala project will devastate the livelihoods of countless fishermen in our region,” Seminoes warned. He accused the central government of failing to implement adequate measures to protect the coastline and the fishing communities that depend on it. Seminoes also stressed that the project’s execution has been marked by a lack of consultation with the affected communities, exacerbating their concerns and fears about the future. The fishing communities in Goa have been protesting the project, citing the potential destruction of their traditional fishing grounds and the erosion of their coastline. The Sagarmala project, while intended to boost India’s maritime trade and economic growth, has faced widespread resistance from fishing communities across the country. Seminoes’ vocal opposition at the global forum underscores the deep-seated anxieties and frustrations felt by these communities as they face the prospect of losing their livelihoods and cultural heritage. The event in Brazil provided a platform for Seminoes to bring international attention to the plight of Indian fishermen and to advocate for more sustainable and community-centric approaches to coastal development. His speech was a call to action, urging the Indian government to reconsider its policies and ensure that the development of ports does not come at the expense of the fishing communities’ well-being.