MARGAO
After an inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty by the Fisheries department unearthed water accumulation on board fishing vessels anchored at the jetty, the Fisheries Director has stressed the need for boat owners in general to ensure the prevention and control of vector-borne diseases at fishing jetties and fishing vessels.
The new guidelines/SOP come against the backdrop of the Sunday inspection of the Cutbona fishing jetty by a team of fisheries officials in view of the dengue scare that gripped the jetty last week.
Fisheries Director Dr Shamila Monteiro told The Goan that the inspection team comprising the Fisheries Deputy Director and Fisheries Superintendent found water accumulation on some vessels anchored at the Cutbona jetty. She said the team got the water drained out from the vessels so that they don’t become breeding sites for mosquitoes.
To tide over the problem, the Director said that the department has now insisted on boat owners designating a nodal officer for their fishing vessels to implement the guidelines/SOP. For, she pointed out that while the vessels are anchored at the jetty, it’s becoming difficult to contact the person in charge of the vessel in times of emergency.
In fact, the latest guidelines have directed boat owners to designate a nodal officer for their fishing vessel to see that the above guidelines are followed. The name and phone number of the nodal officer shall be provided to the Fisheries Officer/Assistant Superintendent of Fisheries at the respective jetty/office, the guidelines stated.
To a question, Dr Monteiro said that water accumulation was found in fishing boats, which lay anchored at the Cutbona fishing jetty due to the delay in the arrival of migrant labour or some other reason. “The latest guidelines have only reiterated the measures that need to be taken by the boat owners to keep vector-borne diseases at bay,” she added.
The dengue scare had hit the Cutbona fishing jetty last week after NGO GOACAN flagged the breeding sites on board the fishing vessels and demanded an immediate inspection of the jetty.
The Fisheries Department has advised boat owners to prevent water stagnation by keeping vessels, boats, tyres, fish boxes and other containers properly covered or drained, and to remove scrap and waste that can collect rainwater. They have also been asked to maintain hygiene and sanitation among crew, ensure regular health screening, promptly seek medical attention for suspected vector-borne diseases, cooperate with authorities during inspections and follow Health Department directions. Each fishing vessel must also designate a nodal officer to ensure compliance with the guidelines.
