Goa Bans Fish Imports For Next 15 Days, CM Manohar Parrikar Says Fishing Activity to Resume in August

Panaji, July 18:  The Goa government on Wednesday banned the import of fish from neighbouring states for the next 15 days. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday issued a ban across the state as a measure of abundant caution and took to Twitter to inform that no fish will be imported till July end.

"In the interest of the people of Goa, have issued directions to ban the import of fish in Goa for next 15 days. Fishing activity in Goa will resume in the month of August, hence plenty of fresh fish will be available to Goans", Parrikar tweeted.

The decision comes in the wake of a controversy over the use of formalin in fish consignments.  It must be noted that formalin, a toxic chemical, is used to preserve bodies and prevent decay in mortuaries.

During a press conference, Parrikar said that the decision has been taken as a measure of abundant caution and a formal notification regarding the same will be issued by Wednesday evening. Parrikar said once the annual ban on fishing in Goa ends on July 31, fishing will officially resume in the state on August 1. The Chief Minister further added that there will be no issue of fish shortage in the state.

Amid reports about the presence of formalin in fish coming into Goa from other states, Parrikar said that people should realize that fake news or rumours can be damaging. On Saturday, the Goa Chief Minister informed that he was personally monitoring the issue of formalin presence in fish, after "spot analysis" of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had shown its presence. According to a report by PTI, the FDA, however, later said formalin found in the sampled fish was "on par" with its naturally occurring levels and that there was no added amount.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 18, 2018 03:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).