PANJIM: The State government has decided to impose a ban on fish import for six months and prosecute traders violating the order that will be enforced from Monday.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed reporters that the initial ban on the import of fish will be for six months which may be extended to another six months till all measures are in place to check the quality of the fish.
“I have taken this decision in the interest of the people of Goa that till compliance of all requirements is met and independent labs for quality checking of fish are in place, import of fish into Goa will be banned for six months. It may be extended to another six months till all measures like labs from Quality Council of India and Export Inspection Council are set up,” he said.
The ban comes into force notwithstanding threats by two Maharashtra politicians to stop Goa vehicles entering Sindhudurg district over restrictions on fish import.
This is the second time that the ban on import has been imposed on fish in the State. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had banned import of fish in July after reports of use of formalin in the fish as a preservative had surfaced. The 15-day ban was lifted following a check of fish carrying vehicles on the State borders commenced.
Rane said that the wholesale fish traders who import the fish were asked to comply with the guidelines of State Food and Drugs Administration Department, which they have failed to.
“In view of the situation in the State of Goa and non-compliance by the traders and constant misleading of the people by various people who have monopolised the fish trading in the State, the ban has been imposed,” he said.
Stating that he along with minister Vijai Sardesai have decided to take strict action against the violators, Rane said “Some who are running the fish mafia are trying to manipulate things and mislead the people. They have monopolised the fish business by playing with the sentiments of the people. I am not here to get manipulated by anybody. For the sake of the people’s health, compliance of FDA guidelines is a must. There is no question of compromising on food safety”.
Citing remarks by some fish traders, he said such people should be treated as criminals as they do not comply with the guidelines.
“These people should be treated as criminals as they do not comply with the guidelines. There is a law and he (the trader) has to fall in line. We will not compromise the food safety of the people of Goa. We also want to send a strong message to such elements that we will file police cases if the illegal activity takes place,” Rane warned.
“We will not bog down to any pressure. It is our final decision. We must have all systems in place. Sometimes in life you have to take harsh decisions to come out clean and transparent. We are doing all this to build confidence of the people from all over the State of Goa,” he said speaking about the half yearly ban.
The government is unfazed about the possible shortage of fish stating it is more concerned about the health of the people and chemical free fish being served to them.
Kankavli MLA Nitesh Rane and Sindhudurg MP Vinayak Raut had recently threatened to attack Goa registered vehicles entering their district over the prevailing situation on fish imports.
Coalition partner Goa Forward Party (GFP) had slammed the neighbouring state for politicising the issue and warned against any untoward action.
Sardesai had also stated ‘they will not bog down to any threats and that Goa government will not roll back the guidelines on fish transporting vehicles’.
