ASMITA POLJI
The ongoing two-month- fishing ban has also not caused a major impact on the fish sale in Pernemta luka as the required amount of fish is available in the market and there’s a regular sale of fish. According to vendors, this has been due to the multiple sources from where the fish is being bought. Fish available in the markets are either frozen fish, fish sourced from local fishermen or from those who import fish from Maharashtra. Sources informed that most of the fish vendors from Pernem buy fish from wholesalers from Mapusa and Vengurla and then re-sell it in local fish markets. However, currently the amount of frozen fish has reduced and demand for local fish available during the rains in ponds and other water sources have risen.
Regarding the formalin scare, there have been doubts in the minds of people even with the testing of fish for formalin at the QCI laboratory at the Patradevi check post. Locals allege that hardly any amount of vehicles carrying the imported fish enter the State via the Patrdevi check post.
Even though the authorities at the Patradevi border check-post are strictly keeping an eye on vehicles transporting fish before they enter Goa, the lab has also been testing fish that has been brought in by vehicles from last 15 days. The sources from QCI informed that till now they are carrying out the test according to FDA process and haven’t found any fish testing positive with formalin.
There are other routes such as the internal road coming to Goa from Banda market, which might be used by vehicles to enter Goa. However, officials said that there is no chance of of vehicles passing through this route because it a narrow one. Two more routes are the Satarda bridge and Aronda bridge, however there’s no official checks taking place at these check posts.
