Fishing ban puts Margao markets under scrutiny

The redeveloped Margao wholesale fish market, lying unused despite completion of the project.

MARGAO
With the annual fishing ban coming into force on Monday, the fishing season has officially come to an end, bringing operations at jetties across Goa to a halt. Fuel pumps at the jetties were sealed by the respective taluka Mamlatdars in compliance with High Court directions, effectively grounding fishing activities for the next two months.
As the ban rules out the possibility of fresh sea fish entering local markets during the monsoon period, fish-loving Goans are expected to depend largely on the Margao wholesale fish market — the State’s only wholesale fish market — and the adjoining Margao retail fish market to meet their seafood requirements.
However, with thousands of fish vendors, agents and consumers set to frequent these markets over the next two months, a critical question confronts the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA), which owns and manages the facilities: Are the markets being maintained in a hygienic condition, or is it business as usual, with vendors and customers forced to endure unhygienic surroundings?
The question assumes significance for SGPDA Chairman and MLA Krishna Salkar, PDA members, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai and Curtorim MLA Reginaldo Lourenco, all of whom have, at various times, raised concerns over public infrastructure and civic amenities in the commercial capital.
A visit to both markets on Monday offered little indication of any significant improvement in conditions. Fish traders continued to operate in the open area, while sections of the retail fish market remained wet and slippery, posing safety risks to customers. The monsoon fish trade begins amid growing concern over market conditions.
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Modern infra remains unused while trade continues in foul surroundings
MARGAO: The fishing season, which commenced on August 1, 2025, and concluded on May 31, has drawn to a close, but the state-of-the-art redeveloped wholesale fish market at Margao continues to await formal commissioning for reasons that remain unclear.
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) has already foreclosed the redevelopment contract after completing work on the modern market complex, which features spacious trading platforms and upgraded infrastructure developed under a centrally funded scheme. The new facility was expected to transform fish trading operations by shifting activities from unhygienic surroundings to a cleaner and more organised environment.
However, despite the completion of the project, the government and the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) have yet to inaugurate the market. Why the authorities, including SGPDA Chairman and MLA Krishna Salkar and other PDA members, are dragging their feet over commissioning the facility remains a million-dollar question.
As a result, fish trading activities during the monsoon months of June and July are set to continue in the existing unhygienic and foul-smelling surroundings unless the government takes a decision to open the new market complex.
Earlier this year, the PDA Chairman had informed the media following a briefing that the wholesale fish market would be commissioned on January 23. The proposed inauguration, however, was postponed for reasons that were never officially explained.
Since then, there has been complete silence from the authorities regarding the commissioning of the facility. When questioned by the media on the delay, PDA member and MLA Vijai Sardesai remarked that the wholesale fish market had become an “ATM for the BJP government”, a statement that added a political dimension to the controversy surrounding the project.
The delay assumes significance not only because the modern infrastructure remains unused but also because the PDA has been unable to tap the revenue-generating potential of the redeveloped market. With the project completed and ready for operations, stakeholders are increasingly questioning why the authorities have failed to put the facility to productive use.
For now, traders and fishermen will have to continue operating from the existing premises while awaiting a formal decision on the inauguration of the long-delayed wholesale fish market.
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Broken tiles, clogged drains: Retail fish vendors battle worsening conditions
MARGAO: Shoppers heading to the SGPDA Mega Retail Fish Market near the KTC bus stand may need to exercise caution. Fish vendors warn that a simple visit to purchase fish could result in a slip and fall, with the risk of sustaining serious injuries due to the deteriorating condition of the market premises.
The warning reflects the state of the sprawling retail fish market, which was renovated nearly eight years ago and touted as a modern facility modelled on the famed Dubai fish market.
A visit to the market paints a grim picture. Fish vendors can be seen carrying disinfectants, including phenyl, as they attempt to maintain cleanliness in the absence of adequate upkeep by the authorities. Vendors and customers alike have accused the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) of failing to carry out routine maintenance of the facility.
Their grievances appear well-founded. Shoppers entering the market are greeted by broken floor tiles, clogged drainage channels, heaps of waste and a foul odour that pervades the premises.
Earlier this year, SGPDA Chairman and MLA Krishna Salkar had informed the media that the authority had submitted a proposal to the government seeking a one-time financial grant for the repair and renovation of the mega retail fish market. However, little progress has been made since then, leaving vendors frustrated and concerned about their livelihoods.
The delay in undertaking repairs and maintenance has also triggered public debate. Many are questioning why the ageing New Market in Margao received attention from PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, including a new roofing structure and other amenities, while similar intervention has not been initiated for the SGPDA fish market despite its worsening condition.
Fish vendor Bostian (pictured above) said traders are struggling to make ends meet amid declining customer footfall and poor infrastructure. 
“On one hand, the PDA is allowing retail fish sales in the wholesale fish market. On the other hand, there appears to be no concrete plan to renovate the retail market. As a result, customers are staying away, and we are finding it difficult to sustain our businesses,” she said.
With the monsoon season setting in and market conditions deteriorating further, vendors are urging the authorities to take immediate steps to repair the facility and restore basic hygiene and safety standards before the situation worsens.