Team Herald
MARGAO: Tensions are mounting among traditional fishermen and boat owners across South Goa, from Betul to Vasco, who met South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairman and Vasco MLA Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar to voice their grievances over the mismanagement of the Margao wholesale fish market.
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Though Salkar defended the SGPDA and its contractor, claiming that complaints came from only a few and that many were satisfied with market operations under his watch, the closed-door meeting turned heated, with angry exchanges audible to media outside.
Fisher leaders Savio D’Silva (Cutbona), Jose Philip D’Souza (Vasco), Olencio Simoes (Velsao), and Pele Fernandes (Benaulim) listed a host of issues, warning that protests would intensify if demands are ignored. They agreed to await the outcome of the April 21 SGPDA board meeting before deciding their next move.
One of their core complaints was the steep hike in market charges and the new hourly rates being levied. “This market was built for us, the local fishermen, but we’re being pushed out and harassed,” said one of the leaders.
They also criticised poor cleanliness at the market and requested a dedicated office space for local fishermen. Another flashpoint was parking—key spaces were allegedly being reserved for traders and non-Goan fishermen. Salkar later denied this claim.
Fishermen also said they were being fined by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) contractor when operating outside the market premises, raising the issue of dual charges by both SGPDA and MMC.
Salkar clarified that the SGPDA only levies charges for activities within its premises. “Anything outside falls under MMC, and fishermen will have to take it up with them,” he said. The group said they would now approach both the MMC and District Collector, citing prior correspondence with the civic body.
On allegations that the contractor was not issuing receipts, Salkar said receipts are provided. Regarding verbal spats between the contractor and fishermen, he said, “I cannot comment as I don’t know both sides of the story.”
Salkar assured that the fishermen’s demands—including reducing rates and scrapping hourly charges—would be presented at the upcoming SGPDA board meeting. He added that earlier demands, such as market timing adjustments, had already been accepted.
On the request to hand over the sopo contract to the fishermen, Salkar said it must go through an open tender, as directed by the High Court. “If local fishermen win the bid, it’s a win-win, but the process must be fair,” he said, adding that objections to the earlier tender were resolved and a new one would soon be floated.
Salkar also said that the proposed new phase of the market would offer more space, but fishermen argued for a two-zone model—reserving one section for local fishermen and the other for wholesale traders—to end long-standing clashes and curb the dominance of vested interests.
They reiterated their demands for improved market maintenance, cleanliness, and a small office space dedicated to local fishing operations.
