The bustling Mapusa fish market is on the brink of a forced closure after local health authorities issued a stern ultimatum. The Mapusa Urban Health Centre has served a notice to disconnect the water and electricity supply to the complex, citing a persistent failure to address serious public health concerns.
Final Notice Issued Under Goa Public Health Act
Acting under the powers granted by the Goa Public Health Act, 1985, the health centre took this drastic step after the Mapusa Municipal Council repeatedly ignored warnings to clean up the premises. The notice explicitly states that the council's office has taken no effective measures to abate the highlighted nuisance, leading to the current crisis.
Dr. Dinesh Parab, the Health Officer at the Mapusa Urban Health Centre, confirmed the action. He stated that both utility connections will be severed within seven days if compliance is not met. Furthermore, the entire premises will be sealed until the market demonstrates complete adherence to mandated cleanliness standards.
A History of Warnings and Narrow Escapes
This is not the first time the market has faced such a threat. Back in October, the municipality narrowly avoided the sealing of the fish and meat market by conducting a massive clean-up drive. This came after a final warning from the urban health department.
Following an inspection on November 10 by health officials, municipal authorities had promised to undertake regular maintenance and ensure a clean environment for both vendors and visitors. However, these assurances appear to have fallen short of the required standards.
Partial Compliance and Stakeholder Involvement
Market committee chairperson Sainath Raul provided an update on the situation, claiming that 70-80% compliance has already been achieved. He assured that the remaining work would be completed with the assistance of all concerned stakeholders.
In a bid to resolve the issue, the council has also sought help from the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA). The requested assistance includes the removal of unused elevators and other obsolete machinery from the market complex, which contribute to the unhygienic conditions.
The clock is now ticking for the Mapusa Municipal Council. With just a week to rectify the situation, the future of the vital fish market hangs in the balance, dependent on a swift and thorough clean-up operation.
