MARGAO: Margao Wholesale Fish Market Association has alleged that their rights at the wholesale market are being encroached upon and has said that they will approach the Highest Court in the land in order to make sure the SGPDA tenders the work of Levy Collection and Maintenance.

They also said they will fight to get relief from the increased fees levied upon the fish traders. The petition of the traders filed in the High Court has been disposed off with the court asking the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) to consider the plea of the wholesalers association and to decide the matter on their level.

M Ibrahim, president of the association, said that they have an “arrogant chairman of SGPDA in Wilfred D’Sa”.

He alleged that the Levy Collection Contractor Milagres has spoiled the sanctity of the market.

“Amidst the tussle, the Goans are not getting one chance to trade and earn a living since at least 250-odd non-Goans are allowed by Milagres at the wholesale fish market,” Ibrahim alleged.

“The levy collection contractor is making Rs 1.5 to 2 lakh per day and giving Rs 3 lakh to SGPDA in a month and except for bullying poor fishermen he is not even doing basic maintenance of the market. I don’t understand why the PDA is not calling a meeting and deciding on the tender. I guess there is some alleged underhand dealing with the chairman that is making him ignore the hardship and loss of the PDA,” said Ibrahim.

“We will approach the highest court, even the Supreme Court, to make sure this ends,” Ibrahim added.