MARGAO: It’s a mess out there. All fish-related activities from the South Goa Planning and Development Authority’s (SGPDA) wholesale fish market have “shifted” to the roads, with the Fisheries Department through the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) commencing the work to construct a modern market at the current location.
For the past few days the messy situation prevails here due to lack of proper traffic plan, and no control over the pathetic conditions.
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The situation has left the locals and members of the fishing community, besides commuters fuming over the issue as they demanded that the concerned departments come out with a proper plan.
It is pertinent to note that GSIDC has commenced the works of constructing a modern wholesale fish market here with a provision for a cold storage facility for fishermen. There will be a fish testing laboratory in the market, which was long pending demand since the formalin issue.
Half of the market area has been blocked for fishing sale over here for the past several days. Heavy machinery has been engaged in executing the work at the site.
The lack of proper plans to provide alternate facilities to the fishing community has resulted in the mess here. Several fish laden vehicles from other States are seen parked on the roads, including the vehicles of local fishermen, causing severe hardship to the commuters and the general public.
“This is not acceptable. There should be some plans in place before starting the work. The concerned authority should have identified some temporary location for the people engaged in selling fish at the wholesale fish market”, said Ronny Noronha.
He said no traffic police at the site has made these conditions worse.
“Fish vendors are seen all along the roads from Kadamba Bus Stand to Seraulim junction and even on the Western Bypass road leading to Nuvem. This will create more mess in the coming days, and especially during monsoon”, said Walter Dias from Margao.
John Fernandes of Seraulim warned the concerned authority of agitation if the plans are not put in place at the wholesale fish market.
It may be recalled that the wholesale fish market has been the hot topic of discussion for the past several years with regards to the issues of maintenance and Sopo collection.
Ward councillor Francis Joanes said the civic body will hold a discussion with the Traffic Cell to make a temporary arrangement to avoid further chaos on the road.
