Formalin-laced fish scare hurting Goa's tourism industry: Manohar Parrikar

The issue of formalin-laced fish was affecting the tourism industry in the state, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar said on Monday.

Speaking in the state assembly, he noted that tourists have stopped eating fish during their stay in the coastal state, news agency PTI reported.

The chief minister asked the House to support the government in taking steps to resolve the matter so that the state does not get a "bad name".

Parrikar was replying to a calling attention motion moved by BJP legislator Nilesh Cabral and Congress MLA Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco, over the fear and anxiety among people after traces of formalin were found in fish brought to Goa from other states.

A toxic chemical, formalin is used to preserve bodies and prevent its decay in mortuaries.

"The irresponsible statements made on the issue of presence of formalin in fish have already started showing the impact on the tourism industry. I was told by the tourism industry that tourists have already stopped eating fish during their stay in Goa," the chief minister said.

The Opposition Congress has been disrupting proceedings of the House since last week over the issue.

The House also witnessed din today as the opposition pressed for an adjournment motion on the issue.

Parrikar said fish prices have soared since the government banned its import.

He read out a list of the various fish sold in the state and their current market prices.

Responding to a demand for a ban on export of fish from Goa, the chief minister said all the stock harvested in the state is not consumed locally.

"There are several varieties of fish that are netted off the Goa coast but not consumed by locals. Those varieties are exported," he said.

Around 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes of fish harvested locally or brought in from neighbouring states is exported from the Mormugao Port Trust, he said.

The chief minister said banning the import or export of fish will not provide a solution for the polluted stock.