TURA: The recent inspection of fish markets and all formalin tests conducted on fish sold in weekly markets across the district of South West Garo Hills have reportedly shown negative results. It was also found that all the fishes being sold in the markets are fresh local produce and that the market demand for fish were readily being met by local fish farmers and hence the district does not need to depend on imported fish for local consumption.
Soon after the detection of formalin in samples of fish sold in the state and subsequent prohibition on sale of fish imported from outside the State, South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ramkumar S. had ordered the District Fishery officials to conduct the tests and inspection of all fish markets, including the weekly markets, to prevent storage and sale of imported fish. To ensure safety of the consumers, even fresh local fish being sold in the markets were tested for formalin.
During the inspection conducted by the district team led by Fishery Officer, Ampati, Grikjang Sunny R. Marak and Food Safety Officer, Shiny Marak of all fish markets in the district for the past few days which covered Damalgre, Garobadha, Mukdangra, Garodoba, Betasing, Salmanpara, Oidoba, Kalaichar, Kasikagra, Kalaipara, Mahendraganj and Ampati, it was found that the total amount of fresh local fish being sold in the markets was more than 15 tonnes in the district the highest being 2.52 tonnes during market days. It was also found that most of the fish supplied to the markets were straight out of the fishery ponds and were found to be still alive on arrival in the markets.
Despite the sale of only fresh local fish in the markets in the district and all tests for formalin being negative, the Deputy Commissioner had also ordered surprise checks of fish godowns in Mahendraganj and other thickly populated areas bordering Assam to ensure strict compliance with the ban and to ensure that no imported fish are being stored or distributed for sale. However, the godowns too were reportedly found to be empty.
The Deputy Commissioner has also appealed to all the consumers to contact the district authorities or email to [email protected] if they come across any instances of banned imported fish being sold in the markets for necessary follow up action.
Meanwhile, daily inspection of fish markets would continue as long as the prohibition continues in order to ensure strict compliance of the same according to the officials of the district Fishery department.