the goan I network
MAPUSA
Worried over the formalin-in-fish issue, Siolim-Marna gram sabha on Sunday demanded that the FDA conduct periodic visits and examine the fish in Siolim fish market.
Locals said a lot of fish arrives in Siolim market on a daily basis and although most of the fish available in the village was local, periodic check by FDA officials would ensure confidence among the people after the recent formalin scare in the state.
A resolution moved by Joaquim Barros calling for periodic visits of FDA officials in Siolim market was unanimously passed by the gram sabha.
Siolim is well known for its local fish catch and a lot of people rush to the fish market near the old ferry point in the village. The villagers also expressed unhappiness over the government’s decision to give its assent to the CRZ draft notification 2018 and opposed the same. “How can the government give assent to the notification without informing the people of Goa,” asked Fatima Fernandes, a local.
The gram sabha then passed an unanimous resolution opposing the CRZ draft notification 2018.
Speaking about the impact of plastic on environment, locals called for ban on use of plastic carry bags in the panchayat area.
“The government should ban plastic at the source. Companies manufacturing plastic should be shut down to bring a stop to this menace,” said Amrut Agarwadekar.
Social worker Gregory D’Souza informed that banning plastic was just part of the solution. Awareness was more important. “Also shopkeepers should be provided with an alternative. Just banning without providing an alternative to plastic will never resolve the problem,” D’Souza said.
Some locals suggested that no rooms be rented to Nigerians who indulge in illegal activities.
Opposing it, Gregory D’Souza said that it would lead to discrimination and instead suggested that people follow proper procedures.
“Whenever rooms are rented to foreigners, the owner needs to fill ‘Form C’ and furnish a copy at the nearest police station,” he said.
Due to rise in dengue cases in several parts of the State, D’Souza suggested creating awareness on dengue and other vector borne diseases in the village along with the health officials. Another local, Olga D’Souza suggested that the panchayat should present annual village health report before the gram sabha so that people become aware of the health issues affecting the village.
