SHILlONG: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said on Friday that there is a need to find out if fishes coming from outside the state meet safety standards.
The state government has already asked the Food and Civil Supplies and the Health and Family Welfare departments to conduct a study on the varieties of fish coming to Meghalaya from across the country.
Earlier, there were reports that harmful formalin-laced fish have been seized in Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The three northeastern states are taking measures to stop the harmful fish from being sold in local markets.
Formalin is used to preserve bodies and prevent decay in mortuaries. “We can understand the impact it can have on the human body if formalin is put into fish,” Sangma said.
“There are some areas that are supplying fish with certain chemicals which are not safe for human consumption. States like Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh have abundant of those supplies,” he added.
He further stated that it is for this reason that the state government has given necessary instructions to conduct a research of what kind of chemicals are extensively being used which are harmful and accordingly decisions will be made.
Conrad further observed that there are issues of adulteration in almost everything and the government is worried about it.
Sangma also said that nobody has any kind of idea on the pesticides which are being used on the vegetables coming into Meghalaya. “The situation is very critical. The government is concerned about it,” he added.
Sawkmie calls for ban
Opposition Chief Whip P.T. Sawkmie has asked the government to ban imported fish till the report of ICAR confirms that the fish is safe for human consumption.
Sawkmie sent letters in this regard to Fisheries Minister Comingone Ymbon and Chief Secretary Y Tsering.
Sawkmie said it was learnt that Manipur and Nagaland had already banned the import of fish after traces of formalin were found.
In this context, Sawkmie urged the fisheries minister to ban the import of fish immediately.
