MAPUSA
In a stinging indictment of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), the Urban Health Centre (UHC), Mapusa, under the Directorate of Health Services, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the civic body to clean up the filthy and unhygienic conditions at the Mapusa fish market, warning that water and electricity supply to the entire complex will be disconnected if the nuisance is not removed immediately.
The disconnection notice, issued under the Goa Public Health Act, 1985, makes it clear that the health authorities have lost patience with the MMC’s repeated failure to act despite multiple earlier warnings. “The municipal council has failed to take corrective measures despite earlier notices highlighting serious public health hazards and persistent nuisance at the fish market,” the UHC stated in its order, describing the conditions as a threat to public health.
Invoking its statutory powers, the Health Officer Dinesh Parab has directed the water supply and electricity departments to disconnect services to the fish market within seven days if compliance is not ensured. The notice further warns that utilities will remain disconnected until the nuisance is completely removed to the satisfaction of the Health Officer.
In an extraordinary step, a copy of the order has also been forwarded to the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Bardez with a request to seal the fish market complex until all mandatory health and sanitation norms are implemented.
Local residents and regular consumers have reacted angrily, blaming the MMC for allowing the situation to spiral out of control.
“The stench is unbearable. Fish waste is dumped everywhere, drains are clogged and flies swarm the area. This market has become a health bomb and the municipal council has done nothing except issue hollow assurances,” said Reshma Naik, a regular visitor of Mapusa market.
Responding to the health department’s ultimatum, an MMC official admitted that there have been shortcomings but claimed corrective steps are now being initiated.
“There have been issues related to waste management and cooperation from vendors. We have taken note of the UHC notice and immediate measures will be taken to address the deficiencies. The council will ensure compliance within the stipulated time,” an MMC official said.
The development has put the spotlight squarely on the MMC’s handling of basic civic responsibilities, with the health department’s hard line underscoring what officials describe as chronic neglect and administrative apathy at one of Mapusa’s busiest public markets.
