Authorities order shift to Baina market
Fish wholesalers operating illegally at Kharewado in Vasco on Friday were warned of strict action if they fail to shift to the notified Baina fish market.
Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker, Deputy Collector Pratap Rao Gaonkar, MMC Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik, Vasco Police Inspector Vaibhav Naik and other officials conducted a surprise inspection at the Kharewado stretch where wholesale fish trading has allegedly been continuing despite repeated warnings.
Speaking to reporters, Borker said the illegal wholesale sale of fish at Kharewado could no longer be permitted after the notification of the new Vasco fish market and the old Baina fish market for wholesale operations.
“We have conducted several inspections in the past and finally arrived at a solution whereby wholesalers could operate from the Baina fish market, which has already been notified. Vendors from the new Vasco fish market had repeatedly complained that they were not getting customers because wholesalers continued operating from Kharewado,” said Borker.
He said the MMC had passed a resolution on the issue and had also written to the Deputy Collector seeking intervention.
“When we suggested shifting the wholesalers to the Baina fish market, they had agreed. However, despite this, they have continued their operations from Kharewado. Today, we came here with the police and other authorities and issued them a final warning. The authorities have been directed to clear all sheds, baskets and illegally parked vehicles from the area. This is the last time we are informing them on humanitarian grounds, after which strict action will follow,” Borker added.
Deputy Collector Pratap Rao Gaonkar said the wholesale trade being carried out at Kharewado appeared to be illegal and that several violations had been noticed during the inspection.
“The MMC Chief Officer had written to me requesting action against the illegal wholesalers. We have noticed sheds, baskets and fish trading activities being carried out on this stretch. I believe some of these operators may not even possess valid trade licences,” said Gaonkar.
He further stated that authorities had received information that fish sales were being conducted after office hours to avoid scrutiny.
“I will coordinate with the MMC and police to immediately stop fish sales along this entire stretch of Kharewado. Directions have also been issued to the RTO to initiate legal action against vehicles parked illegally in the area so that the road is completely cleared,” Gaonkar said.
