Team Herald
MARGAO: Consumer rights group GOACAN called for the issuance of a white paper to highlight what it describes as a ‘decade of inaction’ by the Directorate of Fisheries in addressing critical issues at the Cutbona jetty.
Welcoming the removal of Dr Shamila Monteiro as Director of Fisheries, the NGO recalled its letters to the Salcete Deputy Collector, which led to an urgent meeting with relevant departments and stakeholders to address public health and sanitation issues at the jetty and prevent the spread of vector-borne diseases. GOACAN had also appealed to Dr Benedita Dias, Health Officer at Primary Health Centre (PHC) Balli, for a site inspection at the jetty.
The inspection, conducted by the Deputy Collector, revealed serious shortcomings in the Directorate of Fisheries’ management of the jetty, particularly its failure to address long-standing health and sanitation concerns. GOACAN pointed out that the inspection also highlighted the challenges faced by the short-staffed Balli PHC and Velim panchayat in handling the jetty’s poor sanitary conditions and the needs of its 3,000-plus labour force.
GOACAN will monitor the implementation of decisions from the recent Cutbona Jetty meeting in coordination with the Velim Civic and Consumer Forum and other agencies, including PHC Balli, Sulabh International, and the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The organisation plans to raise concerns about worker safety under the Consumer Protection Act at the upcoming South Goa District Consumer Protection Council meeting. GOACAN has also requested inspections to ensure compliance with packaging and metrology rules at the jetty.