Take action against unauthorized individuals & vendors selling fish: Fishery dept. to DC

Unauthorized sale of fish causes health concerns

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Even though the Kamrup (Metropolitan) district had assured to make arrangement door-to-door sale of local fish in the Greater Guwahati areas, a section of unauthorized persons and vendors are selling fish among consumers by violating COVID-19 protocols and causing health concerns.

“Taking advantage of the ongoing lockdown scenario these unauthorized persons and vendors are selling fish at high prices. The hygiene and quality of such fish is also questionable. The Fishery department and FISHFED are selling fish by following strict COVID guidelines. Though the department is very much concerned about unauthorized sale, it is not empowered to take actions against the erring persons,” a source in the Fishery department said.

The FISHFED is currently selling local fish at its Rupnagar outlet to all nearby residents by maintain all the protocols of containment of COVID-19 including the social distancing norms. It has also opened mobile outlets at Pandu-Maligaon, Chandmari-Noonmati and Dispur.

On the other hand, the wholesalers are bringing fish to three points: Uzanbazar, Pandu and Bhetapara through vehicles permitted by the State Fishery Department and FISHFED, from which the door-to-door delivery persons are collecting their quantity. The wholesalers ensure that the process of handing over fish delivery persons is completed by 7 am daily. The Fishery department has directed all the vendors to sell only fresh and hygienic fish. The fish will be sold at rates fixed by FISHFED.

Managing Director of FISHFED Dr DJ Sharma told The Sentinel that he has written to the Kamrup (Metro) administration to take actions against unauthorized individuals and vendors selling fish in the city.

“We appeal to city residents not to purchase fish only from FISHFED’s outlets and authorized vendors. If vendors come for door-to-door delivery, residents must inquire about their valid documents. Residents must also demand the price charts of fish chalked out by the administration and fishery department,” Dr Sharma said.

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