Latest news with #NilkanthHalarnkar
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Goa set to deploy drones to swoop down on illegal fishing methods, out-of-state anglers
Panaji: Following the successful completion of a two-month trial, the Goa fisheries department is set to procure drones to monitor illegal fishing activities in the state's waters, for the upcoming fishing season, starting Aug 1. 'Goa's coastline is smaller than that of other states. So, we can have this new technology,' fisheries minister Nilkanth Halarnkar told TOI . The trial run was conducted in April and May at the Panaji jetty by the fisheries department's head office. The department plans to expand drone surveillance to crack down on fishing using LED lights, bull trawling, and 'cross border' fishing. 'Now that we have seen the drones operate on a trial basis, we are trying to see how we can utilise them,' Halarnkar said. 'A proposal has to be made to govt following which a tender will be floated to procure them.' But challenges come with innovation. Drones have a flight capability of only a few hours due to battery life. Coastal weather also needs to be factored in while flying them. 'Fishing jetties can also have CCTVs that are able to capture images from long distances and detect such illegalities 24x7,' said a fisherman who has been protesting against LED fishing over the years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo He added, 'The Coast Guard can coordinate with fisherfolk to impound vessels of the violators.' Fishing using LED lights attracts fish in large numbers, including non-target species, leading to bycatch and the capture of vulnerable marine species. Bull trawling — used to boost the volume of catch — involves dragging heavy nets along the seabed, physically disrupting and damaging benthic habitats, including corals, sponges, and other marine life. 'Cross-border' fishing occurs when fisherfolk from other states fish within the 12 nautical mile zone of Goa's territorial waters. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
22-04-2025
- Time of India
Goa targets 100% sterilisation of strays: Halarnkar
Panaji: In the wake of two recent and alarming stray dog attacks in the state, both involving children, Nilkanth Halarnkar , the minister for animal husbandry and veterinary services, has assured that govt is 'working on a war footing' to tackle the issue. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'We are targeting 100% sterilisation of the stray dogs in the state,' Halarnkar told TOI . He outlined the ongoing efforts to sterilise stray dogs, stating that a dedicated team is actively working in different parts of the state to control the stray dog population. The state has roughly 56,000 stray dogs. 'We already covered Bardez and Margao, and for the past 10 to 15 days, the team focused on the coastal belt,' he said. He also highlighted some of the challenges faced in addressing the stray dog population. 'We cannot change the location of stray dogs because they are territorial. Additionally, we are not allowed to keep them in common shelter homes or cages,' he said. Halarnkar also acknowledged the role of local NGOs in supporting sterilisation efforts but stressed the need for greater public cooperation. 'The NGOs are doing their best along with Mission Rabies, but we now need the support of the public. The dog feeders need to be more responsible, and I am advising them against feeding stray dogs anywhere,' he said. He also called on pet dog owners to notify the animal husbandry department about their pets so govt can maintain a proper register of all dogs in the state. Halarnkar's remarks come after two incidents that raised concerns over public safety. Last week, a toddler was mauled by stray dogs in Ponda who succumbed to her injuries, and earlier this week, a Russian child was attacked by stray dogs at Betalbatim beach.
