The formalin issue which has created panic in the State needs to be studied not through the lens of the politicians but through a rational approach. It is nearly a month since import of fish has been banned and with no solutions in sight, the government seems to be motivated by other hidden interests.

The reason for the ban as claimed is that imported fish contains traces of formalin in it. A toxic chemical used to preserve bodies and prevent its decay in mortuaries and is carcinogenic if consumed. It looks like formalin is just a pretext for other hidden political agenda. Why is it so difficult for the government to provide the detection kit? Some States are using the kits developed by Kochi-based Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (CIFT) with which paper changes colour if rubbed on fish laced with the chemical.

Moreover there are many people who are demanding that fish from other Indian States should be banned completely. It is foolishness to say such things because import-export exists since man found the means of transportation. Moreover it is the need of the world because everything cannot be found or produced at any given place. For example we cannot cultivate apple, oranges, grapes or many other fruits and vegetables in Goa. We need to import it from other States. Similarly not all fish can be fished by Goan boats. Many fish which are in great demand for tourism. The blanket ban on import of fish is senseless as the results of the tests have not been conclusive rather they have engineered a confusion and panic. 

The right thing would be have testing facilities to monitor use of formalin. An argument would be should then all other things should be banned on the basis of doubt when the truth is today no food is safe especially BT engineered vegetables and fruits. Is our health issues caused only due to fish? Though this question does not suit the situation, it should be answered because Goa is famous for its liquors. But what can be agreed is that use of formalin can be traced easily by using the testing kits and it is not a matter of big deal for the government to procure them. The six-month ban period is a smoke screen.

There are some voices on social media who even speak that only Goenkars should be allowed to sell fish and no outsiders should be allowed. It looks so absurd because if it is so, then all shops/companies/polluting vehicles manufactured in other States by non-Goans should also be closed, like shops of Kashmiris near beaches, resorts of outsiders, etc. If people are so concerned about the State then why are we sending our children abroad as soon as they finish their studies? 

The banning of fish import has not only affected the fish traders but it affected thousands of people like drivers, local fish sellers, women fish sellers,  etc. If the government does not provide any solution for this as early as possible it might create many other problems to the State economy.