Team Herald
MAPUSA: All fish vendors from Mapusa market refrained from selling fish to protest FDA raid on fish trucks in Margao for presence of dangerous chemicals. The locals had to return home disappointed.
Mapusa fish vendors threatened to call a Mapusa Market bandh if they are directed not to sell the fish from other states.
The President of the Mapusa Fish Vendors’ Association, Shashikala Govekar informed that they had gone to Margao and it was noticed that chemicals were found in prawns and verleo.
“Currently, we do not get fish supply here in Goa as trawlers are not allowed to venture into the waters due to fishing ban. We get fish from Kerala and other places. What are we supposed to do if they found chemicals? Are we are supposed to close everything? All the sewage water is being released in the sea water. Why don’t they do something about that?” she asked.
“We are not going to stop selling fish bought from outside the state as we have no other option. Today, we kept it closed but we will bring and sell fish,” added Shashikala.
Another fish vendor, Shaila Walwalkar said there are claims that some chemical has been found in the fish bought from other states.
“Not only are the chemicals used to preserve fish is harmful for us but the polluted water the fish is exposed too is harmful for human consumption. The waste water that is being released by hoteliers should be stopped. We are not going to stop selling the fish we get, if we do so what will the people of Goa eat? If fish is not available then the chicken vendors will hike their prices,” said Shaila.
Sunita Fernandes, a local informed that she was sad that she couldn’t get fish. “I shall try my luck later in the day or tomorrow,” she said.
