MAPUSA
In a small but significant step, the coastal panchayats of Calangute and Candolim have decided to take action against business ventures operating on footpaths, road widening and parking areas within the jurisdiction of the panchayats.
While the Calangute panchayat has given seven days to shop owners/gadda operators to stop the business activity in the prohibited areas, Candolim village panchayat has given a time limit of 10 days.
The sarpanchas of both the panchayats in a public notice issued in local dailies informed that the village panchayats had taken a resolution that it will take strict action against those who are operating businesses on footpath, in road widening and parking area and public property.
“It is directed to all shop owners/gadda operators to stop any business activity in road widening area, footpath and public property within a period of seven days, failing which the panchayat will remove the same and the cost incurred thereof will be recovered from the concerned owners,” said Joseph Sequeira, Sarpanch of Calangute.
Candolim Sarpanch Fermino Fernandes has also issued a similar public notice giving the owners 10 days to remove their shops/gaddas from the prohibited areas.
Incidentally, in another public notice, the Calangute panchayat has directed tattoo operators and biryani outlet holders to obtain permission/licence from the competent authority within a period of 15 days, failing which the panchayat will initiate necessary action as per the Goa Panchayat Raj Act, 1994.
“All these shops/gaddas have become a nuisance for the public. They also disturb free and smooth movement of traffic. We have decided to act tough against such unscrupulous elements,” Sequeira said. “In seven days, the action will be initiated,” he added.
Coordinator of GOACAN, Roland Martins said it was a big step and will be beneficial for the common man and urged other panchayats to follow suit.
“From road safety point of view GOACAN welcomes this public notice and appeals to all village panchayats in the State to issue such notices as a first step,” Martins said.
He said when a public notice is issued, the authority gives a commitment of taking action.
“If you fail to take action, any citizen or voter can start proceedings before the Block Development Officer (BDO) and other agencies for deficiency of service,” he said.
Besides, the PWD and other government agencies can also initiate action against such illegal shops/gaddas, he said.
