Caught in the net: Illegal fish sellers in Vasco to face a ban

The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has taken a solid stance against the illegal sale of fish in and around Vasco. Reportedly, the MMC has roped in the Vasco Police to keep a check on related illicit activities and halt all such unlicensed sales, with immediate effect. The Chief Officer of the Council has further assured traditional fish vendors in the area of the ban of illegal fish selling points and wholesale units here.

New order to keep a check of illicit sales

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The Vasco police has issued a formal order acknowledging that various persons engaged in the sales and storage of fish in the MMC jurisdictions within a kilometre radius of the traditional municipal fish market. These activities outside the permits of the existing peddle zone are illegal under Section 252 of the Goa Daman and Diu Municiaplitris Act, 1968, pointed out the notice. The order further details down the fish by-laws of 1971 to highlight the crime.

Chief Officer of the MMC added that this move has come in wake of the demand raised by the traditional fish vendors in Vasco. The locals have sought for the ban of the illegal sales, which corresponds with the Municipality Act, as well, added the official. In the same heed, assistant municipal inspectors have been tasked to take action against all those who continue to indulge in illegal sales despite the orders.

Going by reports, the issue of illegal sales and the consequent ban demand rose when MMC authorities asked the traditional fish vendors to relocate to a provision shed until the construction of a new facility. The vendors then underlined the fact that if they move, others will only get a free pass to conduct illegal transactions at multiple points.