Residents protest unhygienic activities in Margao fish market

MARGAO, NOV 15
The SGPDA has directed immediate stop to fish cutting activity in the wholesale fish market, even as residents of Madel descended in the market on Monday morning to protest stinking environment and retail sale.
As the residents began protesting with placards against the unhygienic conditions in the wholesale fish market, Fatorda MLA Damu Naik and SGPDA Member Secretary Sanjeev Surlakar also rushed to the market.
Heated arguments were witnessed between a traditional fisherman and the fish merchants importing fish from across the borders over who’s responsible for the pathetic conditions and the dumping of thermocol waste in the market.
The Fatorda MLA later told newsmen that the situation in the market has worsened in recent times posing a nuisance and health hazard to the Madel residents.
He also demanded a stop the fish cutting activity in the wholesale fish market immediately and added that the matter would be raised at the next PDA meeting. “The system has collapsed in the market. Nusiance and foul odour is the order of the day. The water is contaminated, thermocol and plastic waste has become a nuisance to the residents”, he added.
The MLA told the PDA member secretary to clean up the market and put a stop to the retail sale in the market.
SGPDA Member Secretary Sanjeev Surlakar said the PDA would issue instructions to stop fish market activity from Tuesday. “No one has the business to cut fish in the wholesale fish market”, Surlakar said.
When his attention was drawn to the retail sale of vegetable and other in the market, Surlakar reminded the contractor to crack the whip against unauthorized and illegal activity in the market and warned that the PDA would have to review the contract if the illegalities continue unabated.
Residents of Madel Purnanand Chari and Savio Dias said the situation in the market has deteriorated over the year, posing a health hazard to the residents.
“We demand that the authorities immediately put a stop to the nuisance by setting up a effluent treatment plant, drainage system. We are not satisfied with the prevailing situation”, they added.
The duo said they had invited ward Councilor Gonzaco Rebello, but he did not accompany the residents saying he was preoccupied with the Council meeting.
Chari warned that the agitation would continue and said the responsibility for any untoward incident arising out of the stir would be the sole responsibility of the authorities.