Checking if seafood is fit for consumption: BMC

Mumbai, Aug 11: Fearing the fishermen will begin fishing soon despite the warning issued following the oil spill, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has started conducting checks of seafood items in civic markets to see if they are fit for consumption.

“As the oil spill spread fast and thick off Mumbai coast, we have taken samples of sea food items like Bombil (Bombay Duck) and Prawns. These samples have been sent to labs for testing and reports will come within four days to confirm whether they are hygienic or not," BMC Assistant Municipal Commissioner (Markets) Deepak Kamat told a news agency.

“Also, we fear that small fishermen might start fishing activity as this is their only source of income. So we have commenced surveillance to avoid any health hazards," he added.

BMC is conducting random checks only in affected areas such as Colaba, Fort, Nariman Point and process is expected to continue for a couple of more days.

On Tuesday, Aug 11, the BMC issued an advisory to the people asking them to take precautions while buying sea food while fishermen were told to avoid fishing in areas affected by the oil spill.

OneIndia News