To avoid the risk of transfer of the infection into Goa from the neighbouring states, the South Goa Mechanised Boat Owners’ Society, along with trawler owners and traditional fishermen, on Thursday urged the government to put a ban on the sale of fish from outside the state.
The association also urged the state government to not to permit the opening of the wholesale fish market in Fatorda. According to them opening the wholesale market would be tantamount to allowing affected individuals from other states to enter Goa and endanger the lives of Goans, the society’s chairman, Antonio Fernandes, said.
The association also urged the chief minister, Mr Pramod Sawant, to not even allow vehicles carrying fish to travel through Goa. “They enter the state stating that they are travelling to Kerela, but do business here,” he said.  Â
They also claimed that they have just another fortnight left to do some business before the fishing ban kicks in on June 1, and hence, if the wholesale market is opened, it should be only for Goans. Â
One fisherman, Anthony Rodrigues said that since the lockdown, Goan fishermen have been catering to the fish requirements of Goans. “The government asked us to sell our catch from our residences and we are doing so,” he said. Â
Meanwhile, South Goa Planning and Development Authority chairman and Nuvem MLA Wilfred D’Sa said that his office had received a representation from fish traders to open the wholesale market, but that a decision is yet to be taken.
Source: TOI
