CANACONA: While Goans are struggling to get fish onto their plates due to the ongoing nationwide lockdown, the news of at least 12 trucks crossing the Polem border with fresh fish making rounds has upset the locals in Canacona.
The locals are raising the age-old question over the logic of the Fisheries Department disbursing crores of rupees in subsidy to purchase trawlers, nets and fuel while the fish caught by them going to the markets out of Goa.
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Sources at the Polem check post informed Herald that at least 12 insulated trucks carrying fresh fish slipped through the gate till 8 pm on Friday.
“Some of the trucks were destined to Karnataka while some were on their way to Kerala,” sources informed.
Fish is an important source of protein and is inseparable from the food habits of the Goans.
Due to the closure of fishing activities and the recent ban on sale of poultry products, the frustrated locals were surprised to see so many trucks carrying fresh fish crossing through their villages.
While enquiring with one of the truck driver, who was carrying Tuna fish, revealed that he has loaded the catch at Betim Jetty and was on his way to a factory in Kerala.
Sources also revealed that there was no transit permit or any other order from the Goan authorities to transport fish out of Goa.
During a brief period of 15 minutes before 8 pm on Friday, three such insulated trucks passed the Polem gate confirmed sources at the check post.
Meanwhile, the Quality Control of India, who is entrusted with the job of checking fish by the Food and Drugs Administration for addition of formalin, has closed their laboratory.
The laboratory was found locked from outside at 8 pm on Friday which otherwise remains open for 24 hours 365 days a year.
