SHOAIB SHAIKH
With change in power arithmetics in the State government, the fishing industry are wary that the FDA labs for fish testing could be delayed, even as the fishing ban period in Goa will end in less than two weeks time.
GFP chief and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai was dropped from the cabinet last week in a dramatic turn of power politics and he withdrew support to the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government the following day. However, the change is not just going to affect the political parties but also the fishing industry in the State. Those involved in the business have already expressed apprehensions recalling how the formalin fiasco, which had come to fore in 2018 still continues to haunt the industry even now.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane informed that a review of the fishing ban policy will be held. He had also stated the Export Inspection Agency (EIA) laboratory, which was to be setup in Margao would also be set up despite the delays. “Since it is a central government project there have been some delays. However, as planned we will have it in place soon”, he had stated.
However, those from the fishing industry, especially the small traders fear that the behind the curtain politics could affect the industry. “Business has not been the same since the formalin issue took the state like wild fire. There are big importers and small traders. Even last year, it was the small traders who suffered the most as it is the only source of income for us”, one of the traders stated.
Expressing fears that there could be further delays given the proximity of some of the big sharks from the fishing industry with Sardesai, he said “Everyone is aware about the relationship of the big sharks of Goa’s fishing industry and Vijai Sardesai and our fear is that he politics between the ruling and him should not take us down. This fear exists because even last year it was more of politics than actual solutions which cost the industry and the people of Goa. There are black sheep and they should be weeded out but not at the cost of everyone’s livelihood.”
