MARGAO
South Goa District Congress Committee members Melwin Fernandes and Yogesh Nagvenkar have formally opposed the proposed outsourcing of operations at the Margao Wholesale Fish Market to a private contractor.
In a representation to the SGPDA Member Secretary, they also demanded the immediate establishment of a state-of-the-art cold storage facility within the market complex, arguing that a dedicated cold chain is the only long-term solution to preserve fish naturally and eliminate the use of harmful chemical preservatives such as formalin.
The duo reminded the SGPDA that the wholesale fish market is a public asset built with public funds for the socio-economic welfare of Goa’s traditional fishing community.
They urged the authority to retain full operational control of the market, restrict the private contractor’s role to maintenance of the facility, and prioritise the installation of a government-managed cold storage unit.
“A dedicated cold chain is the only viable long-term solution to preserve fish freshness naturally, eliminating the temptation for unscrupulous elements to use harmful preservatives like formalin. A cold storage facility will enable local fishermen to store excess catch during bumper seasons, prevent distress sales and ensure a steady supply of safe fish to Goan consumers at stable prices,” they said.
The Congress leaders also urged the SGPDA Member Secretary to convene a joint meeting of stakeholders and representatives of the fishing community before taking any final decision.
