Team Herald
VASCO: Continuing its drive, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) along with the Vasco police carried out a drive against illegal wholesale fish market operating in Kharewada on Monday.
The drive was carried out following complaints by local traditional fisherfolk who had stated that their livelihood was affected due to roadside vendors.
Mormugao Chairperson Girish Borker said that several requests were made to the fish wholesalers to close the sale of fish on roadside along the Kharewado belt as it was affecting the business of traditional fisherfolk but they paid not heed to such requests. They continued with their illegal activity and the municipality had no choice but to take firm action against them.
Borker said that the wholesalers have been pushing for designated time slots to conduct their business legally. Some wholesalers had slots in the Vasco new fish market and they had requested the Mormugao Municipal Council to give them time of two hours in the evening to sell fresh fish when their boats arrive with the fresh catch. But all this was dependent on the Vasco fish market vendors who had objected to their business operations.
Borker pointed out that selling fish by the roadside was a violation of municipal regulations, and it will not tolerate such activities. If the wholesalers do not listen despite repeated warnings, the municipal council will initiate strict action against them, he warned.
The Mormugao chairperson further said that the Vasco police should initiate action against roadside sale of fish by wholesalers late evening hours.