Need to take steps for removal of rock patches and widening of the mouth of Nhava Creek at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust at Raigarh, Maharashtra
SHRI RAMSHETH THAKUR (KULABA): While development of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust reclamation work was carried out in the Nhava Creek at Raigarh, Maharashtra, it ultimately reduced the mouth width up to 150 metres which was naturally up to 300 to 350 metres long. Presently the 150 metre wide mouth has numerous rock patches and rocky area at the banks of the said creek. Due to these open rock patches the depth of the mouth has become less, which increases the pressure of tidal currents and it creates problems for the navigation of fishing trawlers/boats of native fishermen of Gavhan, Nhava, Nhava Khadi, Belpada villages of this surrounding area. At the time of low tide, for the passing of vessels through this area it is necessary to wait up to full high tide level, which causes the damage of marine products and fishes.
Now a days daily 20 to 25 trawlers and 50 to 60 small boats are passing through this creek. If the said rock patches are removed and the width as well as depth of the Nhava creek is increased it will be helpful for the fishermen for navigation and the marine products will also be sold in the market at right time and their business loss can be saved. If the depth and width of the said portion is not increased the fishing activity will be stopped and all fishermen will become jobless. To get a proper job to the fishermen it has become necessary to certify them as project affected persons for Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and an opportunity of service should be provided to all of them in Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust.
So, I request the Government to look into this matter and take a favourable action at the earliest.
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