Margao: SGPDA Chairman Wilfred de Sa seems to have been over ruling the order of District Magistrate vis-à-vis opening of wholesale fish market in Margao.
On May 09, District Collector Ajit Roy has told SGPDA member secretary that the wholesale fish trading activity may resume with the social distancing practice.
But SGPDA Chairman Wilfred de Sa seems to have refused to allow the market to be operational, due to which the fish prices in the state continues to sky rocket.
Interestingly, during a meeting held on Tuesday, the board members of SGPDA also resolved to open the wholesale fish market. But the chairman has stuck to his stand, for the best reasons known to him.
As per the Collector’s communication to SGPDA, copy of which is with us, he has said that MHA does not prohibit functioning of the markets. However, this office has issued order under section 144 of CrPC restricting movement of individuals for non-essential work from 7 pm to 7 am.
“In view of the above, you may operate the wholesale fish trade activity within permissible hours only. However, you are required to full adhere to the SOP for social distancing at work place before carrying out the above activity and strictly adhere to all the guidelines by the MHA in this regards,” the order reads.
Meanwhile, the fish prices in the state continue sky-rocketing with none of the state government agencies able to control the prices.
The wholesale fish market has been shut down since lockdown 01 in the state along with the vegetable and chicken markets.
The state government has relaxed the curbs on vegetable and chicken while wholesale fish remains to be shut down.
Common citizens are wary about paying through their nose to buy the fish whose prices has scaled up five times during the lockdown period.
While the chairman was not available for his comments, sources revealed that the members of SGPDA are upset over his attitude.
