VASCO
Traditional fish vendors from the new Vasco fish market on Monday met Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borkar, demanding immediate action against wholesale fish operators allegedly conducting business near the market and affecting the livelihood of small vendors.
The delegation claimed that several wholesale operators have been carrying out large-scale fish trade within a 500-metre radius of the main market, leading to a sharp drop in customers visiting the traditional vendors inside the market complex.
The vendors said the situation has become difficult for many local sellers who depend entirely on daily fish sales to support their families. According to them, customers are being diverted to wholesale points operating outside the designated market area, badly affecting regular business inside the market.
Warning of agitation
The vendors alleged that despite repeated complaints in the past, the issue has remained unresolved, forcing them to once again approach the MMC seeking strict action.
During the meeting, the traditional vendors warned that they would launch an agitation if the wholesale operators were not shifted immediately from the vicinity of the Vasco market.
MMC assures action
Responding to their concerns, MMC Chairperson Girish Borkar assured the delegation that the civic body would take strict steps to restore order in the market area.
Borkar informed the vendors that an alternative space had already been identified and allotted for wholesale fish operators at the Baina fishing market. However, he said the wholesale operators have refused to relocate despite repeated directions from the authorities.
“The wholesale operators have already been provided an alternative location at the Baina fishing market, but they are refusing to shift. Necessary steps will now be taken to enforce the decision,” Borkar said.
He further assured that several departments would coordinate efforts to address the issue and remove unauthorised wholesale operations from the area surrounding the Vasco fish market.
According to Borkar, departments including the Water Supply Department, Regional Transport Office, Police Department and the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate will jointly take part in the enforcement drive to ensure the smooth functioning of the market and avoid inconvenience to traditional fish vendors.
Long-standing issue
The issue of unregulated wholesale fish trade near the Vasco market has remained a long-standing concern among local vendors, who have repeatedly demanded stricter monitoring and proper implementation of market rules to protect their livelihood.
