MARGAO: A second joint inspection at the Cutbona fishing jetty has highlighted sanitation, maintenance and operational shortcomings ahead of the new fishing season, coming against the backdrop of recurring health concerns at the jetty in previous fishing seasons.
The team — led by Margao Deputy Collector Laxmikant Desai and accompanied by Salcete Mamlatdar Gaurav Gaonkar, Velim sarpanch Veena Cardozo and departmental officials — found abandoned vessels, improperly stored fishing gear and sanitation deficiencies at the site.
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A dispute over maintenance responsibility surfaced during the visit. The Velim panchayat representatives said it has been handling cleaning despite financial constraints, but argued the Fisheries Department should take primary charge since it collects revenue from jetty activity. Several earlier requests for maintenance funds, it noted, had not been acted upon.
Officials directed departments to strengthen preventive measures before the fishing season. Desai said authorities plan to introduce screening mechanisms for migrant labourers arriving at the jetty to prevent disease outbreaks. He warned that the administration would not hesitate to invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against errant boat owners found in violation of regulations.
Sanitation infrastructure managed by Sulabh International also came under scrutiny — erratic water supply and the absence of a sewage treatment plant have increased dependence on tanker-based waste disposal. Overgrown vegetation around sanitation facilities was cleared during the inspection, with further action expected against unauthorised structures and ageing vessels.
