Leachate flowing into the adjoining areas from the wholesale fish market.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Affidavit filed by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on the state of affairs on the wholesale fish market road revealed that all is not well on the hygiene and waste front.
In his affidavit filed in the High Court, MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar drew attention of the Court that inspection of the wholesale fish market road and market revealed that majority of the issues resulting in unhygienic condition at SGPDA Wholesale Fish Market is due to the vendors dumping the thermocol containers used by them and throwing the same outside the market complex.
The affidavit further stated that vendors who do retail trade of fish outside the market complex but within the precincts of the complex, have been discharging wet waste/water waste in the nullah and in the vicinity/lands abutting the market.
It was further revealed in the affidavit that despite the directions issued by the MMC, the vendors continued to dump the same outside the wholesale fish market, thereby making it difficult for the Civic body to handle thermocol waste.
As a matter of fact, the MMC pointed out that more than 60 vehicles are being found parked on both sides of road opposite the wholesale fish market complex, creating hurdles for the Municipal workers to clear the garbage/thermocol waste.
While saying that garbage/wet waste is generated due to the operation of the market, it is cleared by the MMC by deputing a dedicated squad/team of workers comprising of a supervisor and four labourers along with truck for transportation, the MMC has asserted that the primary responsibility of maintenance, operation and cleanliness of the market is with South Goa Planning and Development Authority.
“The SGPDA had entered into an Agreement dated 29.04.2004 regards Effluent Treatment Plant for liquid waste of the Market with Sulabh International Social Organisation. I say that SGPDA was to ensure that water waste from the market was to be channelised into the treatment plant where it was to be treated,” the MMC stated.
