Margao – The South Goa Ramponkars, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Honorable Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant and SGPDA Chairman and Vasco MLA Shri Krishna Daji Salkar for their unwavering support in addressing the community’s concerns.
Led by their leader, Pele, the Ramponkars have long faced numerous challenges related to their livelihood, which is deeply rooted in the traditional methods of fishing along the coastal areas of Goa. With rising concerns over modernization, environmental regulations, and economic pressures, the Ramponkars have turned to local authorities for assistance in preserving their way of life.
In a statement, Pele praised the Chief Minister for his consistent attention to their plight. “We are deeply thankful to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant for acknowledging the struggles of our community and for his commitment to ensuring that the traditional fishermen of Goa are heard and supported”
Pele also expressed his sincere appreciation for Shri Krishna Daji Salkar, MLA of Vasco and Chairman of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA). According to Pele, Salkar has been a constant ally to the Ramponkars. “Daji Salkar has always been there for us. He has taken the time to listen to our problems and has stood by the traditional fishermen community, even during our most challenging times. We are grateful for his patience and unwavering support he further stated that there are no specific timings for the local fishermen to reach SGPDA Market with the fish catch as they have small fishing vessels and no storage facility on board and hence need to dispatch the moment they reach shore and hence the government need to be flexible with regards to the traditional fishermen .”
The Ramponkars remain hopeful that with the continued backing of key leaders like Dr. Sawant and Shri Salkar, their community can thrive while maintaining their age-old fishing practices that have been passed down through generations.
As Goa continues to grow and modernize, the support for traditional communities like the Ramponkars remains essential in balancing progress with heritage.
Vasco MLA and South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairman, Shri Krishna Daji Salkar, has urged traditional fishermen to seek court permission to continue selling fish beyond the current 9 AM restriction at the SGPDA market.
While addressing the Ramponkars, Salkar acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by the community and assured them that temporary permission has been granted for fish sales beyond the 9 AM limit. However, he emphasized that this is only a short-term solution, and for long-term sustainability, the community must take the necessary legal steps.
“The local fishermen have been given permission to sell fish beyond 9 AM for the time being, but I urge the Ramponkar community to approach the court and obtain the necessary permissions for this to continue legally,” Salkar stated.
This restriction on fish sales after 9 AM was imposed as part of regulatory efforts to manage the SGPDA market, but it has raised concerns within the fishing community, who rely on morning sales for their livelihood. Salkar reiterated his support for the traditional fishermen and assured them of his willingness to assist in the legal process if needed.