Authorities plan strict cleanup at Margao’s SGPDA Wholesale Fish Market amid discontent from traders, fisherfolk

MARGAO: In preparation for the upcoming High Court hearing, a joint inspection was conducted at the wholesale fish market on Wednesday, involving authorities such as the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), and the traffic police. They pledged to take stringent action to ensure the market’s cleanliness, starting Thursday.

However, the inspection was met with simmering discontent among those who use the market area for their business. Wholesale traders, trawler owners, and ramponkars (traditional fishermen) expressed objections to the proposed joint action plan by the authorities. Based on their interactions and the evident displeasure with the authorities’ statements, resistance is likely, and protests may arise on Thursday, especially from trawler owners and ramponkars.

MMC Chief Officer (CO) Gaurish Sankhwalkar clarified the authorities’ plan during a media briefing following the inspection. He explained that the inspection followed a meeting convened earlier at the MMC hall, during which suggestions from wholesale traders were recorded and will be submitted in an affidavit before the High Court on October 9.

Sankhwalkar noted that the suggestion from traders to allow their vehicles inside the market premises when it is officially closed for business would need to be considered by the SGPDA. However, the traffic police will not permit long-term parking on either side of the road outside the market.

He emphasised that no permission would be granted for retail fish sales by vendors on the roadside. “Those wishing to sell fish at retail prices should utilise the SGPDA retail fish market located in Fatorda,” he said, adding, “The wholesale traders said they have no issue sharing space in the market with trawler owners or ramponkars carrying out wholesale business.”

The CO stressed that action would be taken against those who dump thermocol boxes on the roadside, whether at the wholesale or retail fish market. In terms of the retail market, MMC will ensure daily waste pickup, managed by the market cleaning agency appointed by SGPDA, he assured. However, during the inspection, when MMC and SGPDA suggested an area for wholesale traders to park, trawler owners and ramponkars claimed that this was the area where they sold their fish. MMC suggested SGPDA decide, while the SGPDA Member Secretary recommended that the trawler owners’ association and traditional fishermen association file affidavits before the High Court to express their demands.

Fishermen, trawler owners, and ramponkars also raised concerns about the timing of the fish market’s opening and closing, fearing spoilage of their catch if they cannot sell it promptly. Disagreements emerged about the distinction between retail and wholesale fish vendors, with suggestions from the fishing community for the issuance of identity cards to clarify the nature of each vehicle’s business.

Moreover, the fishing community complained that vehicles from other States consistently dominated the space at the wholesale fish market.

Wholesale traders slam SGPDA over dirty market conditions

MARGAO: The wholesale fish traders lashed out at the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) for failing to ensure that their fish market is kept clean despite earning high revenue from traders and vendors, on a daily basis.

Led by Maulana Ibrahim, the traders also questioned why they are always being blamed for the mess, even in court, when they are not responsible for the same.

Ibrahim also rejected speculation that he is interested in the contract for the market’s sopo collection. He alleged that only 10% of the business at the wholesale fish market is legal while 90% of the business is illegal.

He blamed the SGPDA officials, who presently collect Sopo, for bringing vendors in large vehicles to conduct retail business and alleged that many of these vendors are not Goans but from outside the State. Other wholesale traders questioned the logic behind SGPDA’s request for wholesale traders to provide two laborers for market cleaning when they are already paying high hourly fees to SGPDA. They said they are willing to undertake the cleaning responsibilities for the areas they utilise if they are exempt from these fees.

Ibrahim stated that the Authority earns Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh per day and have sufficient funds to carry out the necessary cleaning work.

Ibrahim also suggested that inter-state trucks be allowed to park inside the market premises after 9 pm and before 4 am, when the market is closed, which would solve their parking dilemma. He added that SGPDA would also earn some revenue this way.