Team Goemkarponn
BAINA: In a significant move aimed at resolving long-standing issues at the Vasco fish market, authorities have decided to shift fish wholesalers to the Baina fish market complex. The decision was taken during a joint meeting held on Wednesday in the presence of Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson Girish Borker, MLA Krishna Salkar, officials from the RTO, traffic cell, Vasco police and other departments.
The issue of wholesalers operating outside the newly inaugurated Vasco fish market has been a persistent concern, with retail vendors repeatedly complaining of losses due to bulk fish sales happening in close proximity. The situation had led to congestion, unregulated trading and inconvenience to both vendors and customers.
MLA Krishna Salkar said the decision was taken after carefully considering the grievances of fish vendors and the need to bring order to the system. “The issue of wholesalers selling fish outside the new market has been pending for a long time and has caused considerable inconvenience to vendors. This step can serve as a long-term solution,” Salkar said.
He pointed out that retail vendors inside the market had consistently raised concerns about unfair competition. “The fish vendors in the new market have been complaining that wholesalers selling fish in kilos were affecting their business and leading to losses. Their demand was genuine, and it needed to be addressed,” he said.
Salkar stated that wholesalers have now been requested to shift operations to the Baina fish market, where both wholesale and retail activities can function in a more organised manner. “We have asked the wholesalers to move to the Baina market so that both wholesalers and retailers can benefit. This will create a more structured system and reduce conflicts,” he said.
He added that the authorities will undertake temporary repair works at the Baina complex to accommodate the wholesalers. “We will carry out small repairs on a temporary basis to make space for them. At a later stage, the entire market will be developed into a modern mega fish market through a government agency,” Salkar said.
Recalling earlier commitments, Salkar said strict measures had already been outlined during the inauguration of the new Vasco fish market. “When the market was inaugurated, we had clearly stated that wholesalers would not be allowed to sell fish in its vicinity. The market was also officially notified, which means no fish sale is permitted within a two-kilometre radius as per rules,” he said.
Despite these measures, wholesalers continued operations in areas like Kharewada, often on an even larger scale, drawing crowds and affecting the regulated market. “We noticed that some wholesalers continued business outside, and people flocked to those areas. This defeated the purpose of the new market,” he said.
Salkar confirmed that authorities have been directed to act against illegal fish selling. “We have instructed the authorities to clear all illegal fish vending at Kharewada. At the same time, we held discussions with wholesalers, and though they had initial reservations after operating there for decades, they have agreed to shift to Baina,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the move would bring stability to the system. “This will provide a long-term solution, especially for vendors operating inside the new Vasco fish market, and ensure fair and regulated fish trade in the city,” Salkar added.
