A meeting was convened by SGPDA Chairman Krishna Daji Salkar to hear out the grievances of the Goan fisherfolk, including boat owners and women vendors. Their primary concerns revolved around securing space for selling their fish at the market. They alleged that the market was dominated by non-Goan traders, and demanded that they be given a designated area to sell their fish, at least within the parking lot.
One of the main points of contention was the 9 pm closure time for the market. The fisherfolk argued that they bring a fresh catch from their boats, and there should not be a specific timing constraint on their activities.
Additionally, the community called for the issuance of identity cards to differentiate between local and non-Goan traders. They held outside vendors responsible for creating mess in the market area.
The fishing community stressed that their livelihoods, which have been passed down through generations, are at stake. Salkar assured the community that he would work towards finding a solution to their grievances while ensuring compliance with High Court orders. Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas also attended the meeting.
Meanwhile, activists have slammed the incompetence of the Margao civic body and SGPDA for creating a scenario where the local Goan fishermen are being kicked out of the fish market. “This issue needs to be sorted out on priority as livelihoods are at stake,” said activist Elvis Gomes, also criticising the authorities for failing to put proper systems in place, which prompted the HC to take suo moto cognisance of the unhygienic market conditions.