The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to impose a strict ban on the sale of wholesale fish in Vasco city, effective from May 23. The council has issued necessary directions to all concerned authorities to impound vehicles found engaged in the illegal trade.
Joint Site Inspection Conducted
A joint site inspection of the entire Khariawada belt was conducted on Friday by municipal authorities, including MMC Chairperson Girish Borkar, along with government officials such as Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Mormugao Pratap Gaonkar, Mormugao Mamlatdar Pravinjay Pandit, Chief Officer Siddhivinayak Naik, Vasco Police Inspector Vaibhav Naik, and others.
Reason Behind the Ban
According to Borkar, the municipal council had already notified the Baina and Vasco fish markets, adopting a resolution to shift wholesale fish operators to the Baina fish market complex. Despite repeated warnings, the wholesale fish operators failed to relocate to the Baina facility. This non-compliance has compelled the municipal authorities to impose a total ban on wholesale fish sales across Vasco city, particularly targeting operations at the Khariawada seashore belt.
Pratap Gaonkar stated that the Regional Transport Office (RTO) authorities will be directed to take necessary action against vehicles belonging to fishermen who fail to comply with the rules.
The ban aims to streamline fish trade operations and ensure compliance with municipal regulations. Authorities are expected to enforce the order strictly, with vehicles involved in illegal wholesale fish trade being impounded. Fishermen and traders are advised to shift their operations to the designated Baina fish market complex to avoid penalties.
