Team Herald
MARGAO: Members of the Margao Wholesale Fish Traders Association met with South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) Chairman Krishna ‘Daji’ Salkar to voice concerns regarding the relocation and operations of the new wholesale fish market, set for inauguration in January 2025.
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Association General Secretary Zahid Shaikh stated that traders had not been informed about the setup of the new market and had only been able to observe it externally. Highlighting their role as major revenue contributors to the SGPDA through market fees, the traders criticised the lack of consultation.
Looking ahead, the association urged the early opening of the new facility while expressing hope that longstanding issues such as inadequate cleanliness, irregular fee collection, and intimidation tactics, which plagued the old market, will not recur.
They called for a robust operational system to address these concerns and demanded that fees remain reasonable without sudden hikes. The traders also insisted that only registered vendors, including traders, traditional fishermen, and boat owners, be permitted to use the market premises.
The association further suggested simplifying the plans for the second phase of the market’s construction, focusing on essential concrete structures and improved drainage. They claimed the Phase 1 layout is not sufficiently designed to handle the crowd and activities seen at the market.
Additionally, the traders opposed a proposal to temporarily relocate the wholesale market to Verna during the construction of Phase 2.
