MARGAO: The farmers of Fatorda have opposed any potential plans of the South Goa District Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) to acquire more land for peripheral facilities for the wholesale fish market.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who is part of the SGPDA board, has also conveyed his opposition on behalf of the farmers and pointed out that the farmers had been opposing land acquisition plans for years now. “I would strongly oppose it again if SGPDA wishes to go ahead with the plan,” said Sardesai.
While the aim to acquire more land is to address the space congestion issue at the market and provide a parking area for the vehicles of the wholesale traders, there have been multiple complaints from the local residents, and not just the farmers, about the stench and unhygienic conditions of the market.
Sardesai further pointed out that there are not many Fatorda residents who benefit from the wholesale fish market in terms of business, and yet they are forced to put up with people from all over visiting the market, either as customers or traders, and the congestion they cause.
Sardesai had also told the government during the Assembly that the market should be shifted out of Fatorda as it was turning out to be an eyesore and causing traffic congestion.
