Goa lifts fish ban: Uttara Kannada fish allowed, not DK fish

Karwar: Goa has finally lifted the ban on import of fish from Uttara Kannada district as a result ot the huge pressure applied on them by Karnataka government. However, the ban will continue as before on other coastal districts including Dakshina Kannada and Udupi.

The Goa health department had announced the ban over the import of fish from Karnataka in October claiming that the fish from the state had been found laced with traces of Formalin which is a carcinogenic chemical.

Following this statement from Goa, fisherman from the state, especially Karwar, went on a massive strike over the ban and claimed that they were not using any chemicals for fish preservation.

The protest resulted in many ministers from the state meeting with Goan ministers in an attempt to resolve the ban on fish import.

Confirming that fish from Karwar is reaching Goan market, one of the fish traders of Karwar Praveen Javkar said, “As of now, Goa will allow transport of fish in only light motor vehicles from Uttara Kannada. If the fish comes in a big truck, it will not be allowed inside Goa. Before entering Goa, fish trucks are supposed to carry a bill from the Uttara Kannada District Fisherman Development Society,” he informed.

Speaking on the new positive development on the situation, a fisherman leader from Karwar said, “Goa alone cannot meet its huge vegetable and fish demand and therefore is dependent do Karnataka for the goods.”