PANJIM: The State government is contemplating a review of the fishing ban period of 61 days in the State imposed annually from June 1 to July 31.
Speaking to Herald, Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar said that while under the existing policy the fishing ban will come into force from June 1, the government will in the course of time will contemplate and review the policy if needed.
“The fishing ban imposed annually will be imposed as is the policy. We will be meeting later this week and then we will review the policy and if there are any changes needed we will make the necessary changes,” he stated.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, who is currently in Delhi, however, stated that the Food and Drugs Administration Department will not jump the gun and will take steps in consultation at an appropriate time.
He said, “We will meet later this week and in consultation with the Chief Minister we will see if we need to review the fishing ban period. We will do what is best in the interest of Goans.”
Concerns have been raised in the wake of fear amongst the people over the presence of formalin in fish being imported from others states.
On July 12 last year, spot tests on fish samples at the Margao wholesale fish market had revealed the presence of formalin in fish imported in trucks from other states, which had later been said to be within permissible levels. This had led to a massive outburst against the government and fishing industry including the fish traders. Fish sales had dropped drastically and subsequently the government had taken precautions and immediate measures to set up a laboratory in Margao.
Inorder to avoid any confrontation and chaos during the ban period like in 2018, sources in the government said that the existing policy is expected to be reviewed and government will come up with stringent measures.
