Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, May 4: Over six years after its high-profile inauguration, the food testing laboratory at the SGPDA mega fish market in Margao remains non-functional—highlighting a glaring lapse in Goa’s public health priorities.

Inaugurated on January 27, 2019, by former Union Minister Suresh Prabhu in the aftermath of the formalin-in-fish scandal, the facility was touted as a crucial measure to safeguard the quality of fish, fruits, and vegetables consumed in the state. Prabhu had promised the lab would be fully operational within three months under the Export Inspection Council. Yet today, the lab exists only in name—prompting many to dub it a “ghost project.”

Government officials blame the delay on the unavailability of a 500-square-metre plot in Margao. Health Minister Vishwajit Rane reiterated this constraint in the Assembly, but the explanation has done little to quell growing frustration.

Critics argue the delay reflects misplaced priorities. A former member of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) noted that a vacant 100-square-metre shed in the market could have easily housed the facility. “It’s appalling that the government can’t allocate land for public health but is quick to push commercial projects,” he said.

With lingering concerns over adulterated fish and artificially ripened fruits, the failure to operationalise the lab is being seen as a serious lapse in Goa’s food safety infrastructure. Residents and stakeholders continue to demand action as the project remains stalled—with no clear timeline in sight.