Margao: Despite the new wholesale fish market in the commercial capital being ready for months, it has not been inaugurated, forcing vendors to sell fish in unhygienic conditions outside. With no proper waste disposal facilities, the place has turned filthy.
Market Ready but Not Operational
The redeveloped market, built by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) for the fisheries department, has been ready for over a year. Yet, vendors and fisherfolk continue to operate in the open. The South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) had even appointed an external agency for the cleaning and maintenance of the market. It has, however, failed to explain the reasons behind several missed inauguration deadlines.
Cold Storage Project Stalled
Official data accessed by TOI shows that a cold storage facility proposed for the SGPDA wholesale fish market, approved in February 2020, has still not been constructed after six years. The cold storage was to be built by GSIDC and was expected to benefit vendors, fishermen, and consumers by providing preservation infrastructure. However, in a meeting held on January 9, the SGPDA decided only to hold a joint meeting with the fisheries department and the project consultant for further decision. No further progress has been made since.
Retail Market Also in Poor Condition
The situation at the retail fish market is no better. SGPDA has acknowledged that the retail market needs renovation, repair, and upgradation on grounds of hygiene, infrastructure, and public safety. It has requested the Public Works Department to inspect the facility and prepare an estimate.
