TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: The Aam Admi Party (AAP) has called for a ban on export of certain varieties of fish to meet growing requirements of fish-loving Goans, even as it accused the government for pressurising an autonomous body such as the Goa State Pollution Control Board in respect of the de-sealing of Colva hotels.
Addressing the media, AAP member Rajendra Kakodkar said that fish prices have risen by 100 per cent in the last 3-4 years, and has virtually gone beyond the reach of common Goan. “Goa is a major consumer of fish. The demand for fish in Goa is around 60,000 tons per annum, while the supply is only 45,000 tons. Goa produces around 87,000 tons of fish, of which 42,000 tons was exported”, Kakodkar said.
Replying to a question, he said that the government at the Centre and the state should ban fish which commands a rate of less than Rs 200 per kilogram to meet the local requirements.
Kakodkar also denounced GSPCB and Deputy Collector Margao Sangeeta Naik in respect of de-sealing of the Colva hotels. “The deputy collector exposed a whistle blower and the complainant had to face the wrath of the hotel owners after she called the complainant to the site at the time of sealing”, he said. Accusing the government for pressurising the GSPCB in de-sealing the hotels, Kakodkar wondered how the government can interfere in the functioning of an autonomous body such as the GSPCB.
