TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Stink is literally the scent of the day in and around Margao’s wholesale fish market run by the South Goa Planning and Development Authority.
With help promised by Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar in his budget speech yet to change the ground reality, the market condition has turned from bad to worse in recent times.
A visit to the market reveals that untreated waste water flows into the adjoining fields, creating a stinking environment. Market waste has also flown into the fields, creating an eyesore.
The situation is no different inside the market. A heap of thermocol waste welcomes visitors to the market. It is feared that miscreants might put fire to the thermocol waste as a shortcut to disposal like in the last. Bad odour emanating from the accumulated waters in the fields has enveloped the entire market. The Effluent Treatment Plant set up by Sulabh International nearly a decade ago seems to have failed to address the problem of water treatment.
When Herald tried to contact SGPDA Member Secretary Rajesh Naik, it was informed that he is on 15-day leave and may resume office only on Monday.
Residents of Madel have cried foul over the pathetic conditions in and around the wholesale fish market. In fact, the residents had been demanding better market condition from Day one, but in vain.
The SGPDA had given an undertaking to the High Court more than a decade ago that concerns aired by the local residents will be addressed in due course of time.
Journalist Savio Dias, who had filed the PIL in the high court, said the PDA has abdicated its responsibility in the upkeep and maintenance of the wholesale market.
“I have decided to file a contempt petition in the high court to make the PDA act in the market,” he added.
