Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Hilarnkar said that many fish traders operate their businesses and utilize facilities at various jetties across the state but do not pay the trading fee to the government.
“Many fishing traders operate their businesses at Malim jetty. They seek help from government subsidies and utilize facilities but do not pay the trading fee. The Chairman of Malim jetty society functions as per his own whims and fancies,’ said Halarnkar.
He further said that illegal businesses are operating at Malim Jetty. The government wants to crack down on these illegal business operations and so has decided to take action.”
“A month ago, the traders were asked to register with the department but failed to do so. Now a meeting was held with the traders to discuss the matter,” he said.
On Wednesday morning, the fisheries department closed Malim, Khariwado and Cutbona jetties after fish traders failed to register with the department despite repeated requests.
The entry of vehicles in the fisheries complex and on the jetties was allowed only by those fish traders/individual fishermen registered with the department by paying the prescribed fees.
However, the jetties were reopened late afternoon, and the routine fishing activities resumed.
Also, on August 12, 2022, the department informed the fisheries societies/associations operating from the three jetties to provide a list of owners of the fishing vessels who desire to transport their fish from the jetty without selling to the traders.
