the goan I network
MAPUSA
The health officer at the Urban Health Centre, Mapusa on Wednesday revealed that the Mapusa fish market building has been operating without the permission of the health department since the building has no provision to treat
waste water.
“All those who are operating their business in the fish market building are letting out waste water into the open gutter. We have not issued NOC to the building as it has no provision to treat sewage water,” said Dr Anant Palekar, Health Officer at Urban Health
Centre, Mapusa.
The health officer made the startling disclosure at a public grievance meeting after a concerned citizen pointed to the health hazard posed by the chicken stalls on the first floor of the fish market building.
The deputy collector had convened a public grievance meeting in his office, where officials of different government departments were also present.
The health officer further pointed out that most of the fast food joints operating in the city have no permission from the health department.
“We have not issued NOCs to most of the fast food centres in Mapusa, but the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has issued them permission bypassing the health department,” Dr Palekar stated.
Deputy Collector, Chandrakant Shetkar has directed the health officer to immediately take action against illegal fast food centres and submit a report to him before the
next meeting.
“Do not wait for specific complaints. This is a public issue. Ask your sanitary inspectors to identify all fast food centres and other eateries which have not been issued health licenses and take action,” Shetkar directed the health officer and asked him to submit
a report.
Mapusa People’s Union, Secretary, J T Shetye raised the issue of blatant encroachment of footpaths by unscrupulous businessmen in the market and surrounding areas.
“Shoppers and particularly senior citizens find it difficult to walk freely on the footpaths, as shopkeepers either display their wares in the open passages or at some places they have extended premises,” Shetye said. The deputy collector stressed the need to identify all such spots that have been encroached upon in the municipal area so that remedial measures can be taken.
Sudhin Naik pointed out to the uneven roads created by the sewerage chambers which could be life threatening, particularly to two-wheeler riders.
“At many places, the sewerage chambers have either sunk in below the road level or they jut out above the road level. There is need to bring them in level with the roads,”
Naik said.
Concerned citizens also raised issues of irregular garbage dumping and inactive fire hydrants in the market.
