Goa govt bans fish imports for 6 months: Goa Health Minister
Panaji, Nov 10: The Goa government Saturday announced a ban on import of fish into the state for six months.
The move comes against the backdrop of a scare in the coastal state that formalin, a potential cancer-causing chemical, was being used to preserved fish.
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane announced the ban Saturday and added that its duration could be extended by another six months, if needed, till measures to check the quality of fish are in place in the state.
"Till such measures are in place (to test fish), the import of fish into Goa is banned for six months with immediate effect," Rane told reporters.
The state government is banning fish imports for the second time this year, the earlier one, for fifteen days, having been announced by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in July.
The ban at the time was lifted after the government introduced border checks for trucks bringing fish into Goa.
Rane told reporters that the state government would set up testing laboratories with Central agencies like Quality Council of India, Export Inspection Council and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
He accused fish-importing traders of failing to comply with guidelines laid down by Goa Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).
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CM Siddaramaiah urges PM Modi to grant 'national monument status' to Rani Chennamma’s samadhi
Bengaluru, Mar 29 (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the samadhi of Kittur Rani Chennamma—the queen of the former princely state of Kittur, who led an armed resistance against the British East India Company—a "monument of national importance" under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
Highlighting the historical and cultural significance of the samadhi located in Bailahongala taluk of Belagavi district, he stated in a letter to Modi that Rani Chennamma holds a unique place in India's history as one of the first women to lead an armed resistance against colonial rule.
Her valour and indomitable spirit continue to inspire generations across the nation, he added.
In the letter, Siddaramaiah emphasised that the samadhi of this iconic leader is not just a resting place but a sacred site symbolising the undying spirit of India's struggle for independence.
"It stands as a beacon of courage and sacrifice, reflecting the determination of a woman who defied the might of the British East India Company in 1824," he wrote.
He asserted that recognising this site as a "nationally important monument" under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, would be a significant step in preserving her legacy and honoring her contribution to the nation.
Siddaramaiah brought to the Prime Minister's attention that despite its immense historical significance, the site remains in need of proper conservation and development.
He stressed that such recognition would facilitate the necessary measures to safeguard the samadhi’s integrity, protecting it from "neglect and degradation".
"It would also bring greater visibility to the site, attracting visitors from across the country and beyond, thereby promoting cultural tourism and contributing to the socio-economic development of the region," he noted in the letter.
"More importantly, it would serve as a means to educate future generations about Rani Chennamma's unparalleled role in our freedom struggle and instill pride in our collective heritage."
The Chief Minister further stated that national recognition of Chennamma's samadhi would reinforce "Karnataka’s pride" while securing its rightful place in the annals of Indian history.
"I urge you to direct the Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Survey of India to expedite the process of evaluating and declaring this sacred site a monument of national importance," he added.
