MARGAO
Demanding first preference for Goan fishermen in the redeveloped wholesale fish market after the market inauguration, chairman of Cutbona Fisheries Society, Savio D’Silva, on Wednesday questioned the presence of fish-carrying insulated vehicles inside the Margao wholesale fish market after business hours.
Briefing the media on Wednesday morning, D’Silva pointed to a couple of insulated vehicles laden with fish in the wholesale fish market after business hours. Pointing out that PDA rules mandate all vehicles to leave the wholesale fish market after business hours, he said parking of the insulated vehicles inside the market adversely affects Goan fishermen, including boat owners and traditional fishermen.
“The insulated fish vehicles transporting fish from across the borders occupy the wholesale fish market space hours before the market opens in the early hours of the day. When these vehicles are allowed to park inside the market, they occupy prime space inside the market, leaving hardly any space for the Goan fishermen to enter the market with their fish catch,” he said.
He added: “This should stop in the wholesale fish market after the inauguration. The government and the SGPDA should understand that the wholesale fish market is primarily meant for the benefit of Goan fishermen. But, what we see in reality is that the fish traders involved in inter-state fish trade get preference over the Goan fishermen.”
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Former sopo contractor seeks clarity on priority for Goan fishermen
MARGAO: Former sopo contractor of the Margao wholesale fish market, Milagres Fernandes, on Wednesday questioned whether the market has been redeveloped for the benefit of the Goan fishermen or the fish traders transporting fish from across the State borders.
Addressing the media, Milagres demanded to know from the government and the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) whether Goans would get any preference in the markets in neighbouring Karnataka and Maharashtra.
He said the Goan fishermen, including the traditional fishermen, should get preference in the wholesale fish market as they bring the catch directly from the sea. He, however, lamented that fish traders involved in inter-State fish trade are getting preference in the wholesale fish market.
“Will Goans get an inch of space to operate in the markets in Karnataka and Maharashtra, let alone getting any preference? This is happening because of the people in power and those occupying high positions,” Milagres added.
