the goan I network
MARGAO
The Camurlim gram sabha on Sunday demanded that the state government empower the health inspectors attached to primary and urban health centres to check the quality of fish, fruits and vegetables sold in the state.
The meeting also demanded a ban on the import and export of fish to ensure that fish-loving Goans only get quality fish free from formalin.
The formalin issue figured at the gram sabha chaired by Sarpanch Basil Fernandes when members pointed out that the FDA is hardly seen in the markets to check the quality of fish. To tide over the situation, members pointed out that health inspectors attached to the primary and urban health centres are equally qualified officers, who after being imparted training, can be empowered to check fish, fruits and vegetables offered for sale in the market.
Sarpanch Basil later told The Goan that members have mooted the suggestion since they have not found the FDA officials conducting regular checks of the fish, fruits and vegetables offered for sale in the markets. “If the FDA is facing a manpower crunch, let the government empower health inspectors attached to primary and urban health centres with kits to check fruit, vegetables and fish and ensure that Goans only receive safe and qualify fish,” he added.
The gram sabha also reiterated a ban on the import and export of fish in the state, with members saying that fish netted by local trawlers, with subsidies from the state government, should be enough to meet the requirements of Goans.
In the meantime, the gram sabha has resolved to write to the government to change the building rules in order to maintain the rustic character of the villages and ban mega housing projects. The issue came up for discussion when members demanded a ban on mega housing projects, to which the Sarpanch replied saying that projects rejected by the panchayats get a nod from the higher authorities on appeal.
The sarpanch pointed out that the solution lies in the amendment to the building rules by the government.
