VASCO: Tension flared up in Khareawado, Vasco, as the Mormugao Municipal Council carried out the demolition of illegal structures and stalls belonging to fish wholesalers on Wednesday.
The action came in response to agitated Vasco market fish vendors, who once again marched into the cabin of Mormugao chairperson Leo Rodrigues to voice their grievances. They complained that despite the closure of wholesale outlets, fish wholesalers and roadside vendors continued to sell their products in Khareawado.
Custodio D’Souza, the leader of Vasco’s traditional fishermen, expressed dismay over the situation. While acknowledging that the municipality had swiftly closed down the wholesale outlets following their complaints, he emphasized that the sale of fish persisted in Khareawado. D’Souza demanded the demolition of all makeshift structures and pandals erected by
the wholesalers.
Furthermore, D’Souza highlighted the hardships faced by traditional fish sellers, who are currently operating from a temp-orary shed due to the ongoing construction of a new fish market. Mormugao chairperson Leo Rodrigues stated that market authorities had already taken action by closing down all fish wholesalers engaged in illegal sales.
He further revealed that he had requested the police to patrol the Khareawado area during evenings, outside office hours, and to take action against those found selling fish in the open, beyond the confines of the designated fish market.
Rodrigues assured that efforts would be made to improve the conditions at the temporary fish market, along with the deployment of a night watchman.
