MARGAO: After having been given the assurance that they would be taken into confidence first before the South Goa District and Planning Authority (SGPDA) identified land to house the wholesale fish market on temporary basis, the local fishing community has questioned if their views will really be considered, or if they would be kept in the dark, with no say in the matter that will determine their livelihood. While nearly half of the work on the new market has been completed, the remaining portion will begin once the market is shifted.
Recently, various sections of the local fishing community, such as trawler owners, traditional ramponnkars and local fish vendors had met the SGPDA board members and Chairman Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar, where they sought to know more about the plans about the temporary shifting of the wholesale fish market.
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From Cutbona to Vasco, the fishing community had given a list of the number of vehicles they would send to the market and had also sought other details about the location and facilities at the temporary fish market.
Given the difficulties they face at the present market, many are concerned that the situation may be worse at the temporary market.
Furthermore, the vendors from SGPDA’s retail fish market also sought to know the location of the alternate site as they worry they may lose business due to the close proximity of the wholesale fish market to their market.
The SGPDA has given a nod to Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to shift the market from Madel to a sports ground in Fatorda. However, the cost of levelling this land is estimated to be above Rs 1 crore and it has not yet been determined who will fund it, and if such a high cost is warranted for a temporary market.
The fishing community however wants to be informed of details pertaining to access to the market, parking facilities and operating slots and have demanded a quality space at the market. In addition, they also want the SGPDA to reduce the fees that fisherfolk pay in order to operate from the market.
The local fishing community has further demanded that they be prioritised over the wholesale fish traders, who import fish from outside the State.
