PANAJI
Despite the Goa government’s focus on promoting fish farming, the long-debated and critical fishing infrastructure remains neglected with jetties across the State continuing to face operational and hygiene issues.
While the Budget promised jetty upgrades and improvements in hygiene and fish processing utilities, it failed to provide specifics given that the sector continues to grapple with sanitation and infrastructure failures for several years.
Last year, a serious outbreak of dengue and cholera at the Cutbona fishing jetty highlighted the dire conditions. The largest Malim jetty, among others, is facing sanitation, hygiene and traffic management issues. The Bombay High Court at Goa, presently hearing the matter, had even criticized authorities for their inaction, calling recommendations from inspection teams vague and ineffective.
Reliable sources told The Goan that while some temporary improvements were made, the situation quickly deteriorated again.
An official, on condition of anonymity, stated that after the Cutbona outbreak, the government decided to crack down on fishing boat owners violating hygiene regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act. Fisheries Director Yashaswini B issued an order mandating boat owners to submit daily reports on labourers aboard their vessels and ensure that trawlers carrying 30 workers install two toilets while those with 15 must have at least one before heading to sea. Fisheries officers were also tasked with inspecting vessels for compliance and collecting crew lists before issuing fishing permits.
Sources confirmed that none of these have so far been complied with and the department has also allegedly shown reluctance to act against the concerned.
During the last monsoon session, the Legislative Assembly discussed the need for jetty upgrades with the government admitting urgent repairs for three jetties and six more awaiting central approval. The Cortalim, Chapora and Khariwada Vasco jetties remain in disrepair. The government has failed to provide an update on these.
