Rupesh Samant
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, Nov 27: Goa government on Tuesday said that they may consider allowing the small-time fishermen from the villages bordering Maharashtra and Karnataka in the state to import fish.
State Health Department has imposed ban on the import of fish with a condition that Wholesale Fish Traders should comply with the guidelines of the Food and Drugs Administration Department.
State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane told reporters that several delegations of MLAs are coming to Goa from Maharashtra and Karnataka requesting to lift the ban. He said that the State government will not reconsider the law making it compulsory for the Wholesale Fish traders to comply with the FDA guidelines.
“But there are few cases wherein the fishermen from neighbouring Shiroda (Maharashtra) and Karwar (Karnataka) catch the fish in small canoes and bring it in the State,” the minister said.
“We might relook at the ban on the import of the fish from these areas as they transport the fish within an hour of catching it and bring it for selling in Goa,” Rane stated.
“I need to examine their request to allow the fish being imported in the State after discussing it with the concerned authorities,” he said adding that he can’t give any commitment to those fishermen.
The minister, however, said that the ban on import of fish without complying FDA guidelines will continue.
“We have to understand that there is no going back on the fish ban. Those who comply with the notification of FDA would be allowed to bring in fish. I am firm on the stand that there will not be any kind of relook on this issue,” he said.
“My priority is health of the people of state of Goa. We have taken a decision and this decision is not going to be reversed,” he said.
“We have clearly mentioned that insulated vehicles should be used. The FDA has given certain guidelines and compliance of them is a must,” he added.
“I would like to appeal to the people of Goa that we must all remain united and ensure that our department is able to function independently and we are able to take things forward,” the minister said.