MARGAO, Jan. 31 -- Team Herald

Various issues concerning villages of Salcete were taken up at a public grievance meeting held at the South Goa Collector's office, which were addressed by Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Friday.

The first was an issue raised by the tenant association of Loutolim, whose members were unhappy with the new sluice gate auction scheme for pisciculture (fish farming). They pointed out that for the first time, they are being asked to pay a 20% deposit, which was not disclosed at the time of the auction. They added that due to this issue, the mamlatdar had not cleared their files and there is no agreement yet, which is causing inconvenience to the small fishermen. While the Minister said he cannot give the...