Team Herald
MARGAO: Amid an ongoing shortage of beef, citizens and meat lovers in Goa are voicing frustration and urging their local MLAs to address the situation with the government, calling for a prompt restoration
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of supplies. The shortage has intensified, with many beef traders and vendors forced to close their businesses on Friday due to depleted stock.
Citizens believe that this lack of beef supply will disrupt important traditions and rituals associated with the observance of the feasts.
In an interview with O Heraldo, Milagres Fernandes highlighted that on Friday, many people were forced to leave empty-handed due to the lack of beef stocks in the market.
He expressed confusion over why certain groups are disrupting beef consumption, pointing out that his community has a long-standing tradition of eating beef. The sudden halt in supply has also caused significant distress for people who run bars and restaurants, where Goan dishes like beef chilly fry and beef roulade are popular amongst tourists as well.
“Hundreds of people are exasperated due to the lack of beef supply
in the market,” Fernandes stated, voicing frustration with MLAs for remaining silent on the issue.
He urged the government to make the necessary arrangements to ensure that beef supplies are restored by Saturday at the latest.
Another shopper at the SGPDA market in Margao said, “The beef sold in our markets is legally procured meat. So, everything is checked in terms of quality, hygiene etc. The government should assess regular daily consumption and consumption during special occasions like feasts and festivals, and make up for the shortfall. Completely halting the supply without any attempts to resolve the situation is frustrating.”
“Our roast beef sandwich and beef burger are the best sellers on our menu, and tourists get upset when they specifically visit for these dishes, and they are not available. I am now looking beyond my regular suppliers in Karnataka and trying to source beef from Kerala, which is way more expensive,” said the owner of a bar in Colva.
Currently, beef prices have risen due to the shortage, creating difficulties for many traders in the industry. As a result, several beef vendors are struggling to sustain their businesses amid these challenges.
Panjim meat vendors left without income
PANJIM: Following the demolition of the old fish market building by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), meat vendors formerly operating from the premises find themselves without a livelihood. The CCP initially had no plans to rehabilitate these vendors, but after approaching the High Court, the vendors received temporary relief. The court mandated that the CCP present the building plan for the new fish market by November 30. Currently, the affected vendors have no place to conduct their businesses. Advocate Govind Salkar, representing the vendors, said, “The High Court has directed the CCP The court granted us a six-week timeframe to arrange for our rehabilitation, and out of that, one month has already passed without any progress,” Salkar stated, adding that his own jewellery shop in the building has shut down..
