THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: Ahead of new fishing season from August 1, the Fisheries Department is set to draft a special SOP to monitor fish-related activities across all the jetties as a precautionary measure in the wake of COVID-19.
Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues on Wednesday held a meeting with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant over various issues pertaining to the department including construction of wholesale fish market at Margao.
During the meeting, the CM granted approval for drafting new SOP taking all the concerned departments on board including police to man the jetties during the oncoming season.
“Fishing season starts from August 1 and there is a lot for preparation. We have sought for monitoring of the jetties through the police particularly because of COVID-19 situation, to ensure there is no chaos and disturbance during the trade. CM has assured us that SOP will be in place,” the fisheries minister told reporters. He said that the SOP will also ensure all necessary precautions like social distancing, wearing of masks and proper hygiene besides other safety measures are maintained.
As the season is about to commence, Rodrigues expressed concern over shortage of labour force, nearly all of whom have left for their native States during the lockdown. Sawant also discussed the proposed wholesale fish market to be constructed under the Central Sponsored Scheme. Rodrigues showed the plan prepared by GSIDC and financial involvement in the project to which he sought CM’s approval.
