Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The Goa Pradesh Congress Committee has demanded the immediate cleaning and restoration of the unhygienic Chaudi Municipal Fish Market, warning that the prevailing sanitary conditions could trigger a public health crisis if left unaddressed.
A delegation of the Canacona Congress Parivar on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Health Minister, Urban Development Minister, Chief Secretary, Director of Health Services, Health Officer of CHC Canacona, Administrator of Canacona Municipal Council and other authorities, seeking urgent intervention.
Congress leader Janardhan Bhandari clarified that the party was not opposing the proposed new fish market but was insisting that the existing market be cleaned and maintained until the new facility is ready.
“The new fish market will come when it is constructed, but the authorities cannot ignore the dangerous condition of the existing market. Immediate steps must be taken to ensure hygienic and disease-free conditions for fish vendors and the public,” Bhandari said.
The memorandum alleged that the Chaudi Fish Market is plagued by stagnant wastewater, blocked drains, dilapidated toilets, maggots, insects and flies, forcing many fisherwomen to sell fish outside the market due to the unhygienic conditions.
Congress also recalled that the Canacona Municipal Council had received a sanitation award from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in 2023, but claimed that civic conditions have deteriorated significantly since then.
The party further expressed concern over the prevalence of kidney ailments and rising cancer cases in Canacona, alleging that poor sanitation could aggravate public health risks and increase the likelihood of disease outbreaks.
Among its demands, Congress sought immediate cleaning and maintenance of the fish market, measures to safeguard vendors and customers, suspension of officials responsible for maintaining the facility if negligence is established, and closure of the existing market if proper sanitation cannot be ensured until the new market is operational.
