Mapusa Fish Market Complex Gets 15-Day Ultimatum to Fix Sanitation or Face Shutdown
Health authorities in Mapusa have issued a stern warning to the local fish market complex. They found serious sanitation problems during an inspection on Thursday. The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) now has just 15 days to fix these issues. If they fail, the authorities will cut off water and electricity supplies to the market.
Inspection Reveals Multiple Violations
The inspection was supervised by Bardez deputy collector Varsha Parab. It followed a severe notice from the urban health centre in Mapusa. Health officials declared the complex a public health nuisance. They said previous warnings had been ignored.
Health officer Dinesh Parab criticized the municipality's efforts as unsatisfactory. He pointed to the illegal discharge of sewage into open drains and the Tar river. This poses a significant risk to public health and the environment.
Immediate Actions Ordered
Officials have ordered several immediate actions:
- Remove all construction debris dumped within the market area.
- Provide basic water facilities for vendors, which are currently lacking.
- Coordinate with the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) to fast-track pending structural works.
Municipal engineer Vishant Naik shared some plans for improvement. He said a dedicated sewage treatment plant is in the works. This should help address the sewage discharge issue.
Pressure from Consumer Rights Advocate
Consumer rights advocate Roland Martins of Goacan has been pushing for changes. In response to this pressure, Naik announced that a cleaning schedule and emergency contact numbers will be displayed at the market. This aims to improve transparency and accountability.
The MMC claimed they recently conducted a cleanliness drive. However, health services remain unimpressed. They warned that strict action will be taken if the market fails to comply with sanitation rules within the given timeframe.
The situation remains tense as the 15-day deadline approaches. Local vendors and residents await the outcome, hoping for a resolution that ensures public health and safety.
