Social activist and businessman Nazir Khan on Tuesday raised concerns over hygiene and management at the newly inaugurated Vasco fish market, alleging that poor enforcement has defeated the very purpose of the modern market complex.
Addressing the media after visiting the facility in the afternoon, Khan said he was disturbed to find fish vendors operating outside the market premises, selling fish on the roadside and leaving waste water behind, resulting in a foul stench in the area.
He alleged that the situation posed a health risk to both vendors and residents.
“The fish market is a municipal project and the MMC chairperson is fully responsible for its functioning. However, the MLA has taken credit for the project. While we welcome the new market, what is happening on the ground is unacceptable,” Khan said.
He claimed to have witnessed a municipal worker collecting ‘sopo’ from fish vendors operating on the roadside.
“When I questioned how money was being collected from vendors selling outside the market, the worker asked me to approach the chief officer or senior MMC officials,” he said.
Khan further stated that the market complex itself was largely underutilised.
“Inside the market, I saw barely four to five local fish vendors. The complex is almost empty. What is the point of spending public money on such a huge structure if vendors are not compelled to use it,” he asked.
He also highlighted the condition of the first floor of the complex, which is meant for traditional fruit and vegetable vendors.
According to Khan, the floor was dirty, unused and littered with dumped materials, while vendors meant to operate there were instead selling their produce outside the complex and even on the staircases.
“The authorities must compulsorily shift all fish, fruit and vegetable vendors under one roof. Only then will people enter the market. At present, fish is available all over Vasco, so why would anyone specifically go to the new fish market?” he said.
Khan alleged that the MMC conducts periodic drives to remove roadside fish vendors, but enforcement weakens within days, allowing the same vendors to return.
He also pointed out that some fruit vendors have begun operating along FL Gomes Road, raising concerns among traditional vendors inside the complex that customers may not visit the first floor.
“The MMC is collecting fees but is not even maintaining basic cleanliness. The entire area is unhygienic,” Khan alleged.
He warned that if the MLA and MMC chairperson fail to enforce strict regulations, they should step aside.
“Give us three months and we will ensure vendors are properly shifted and roads and footpaths are cleared of encroachments,” he said.
