Mormugao council urges fruit, vegetable vendors to shift to new market complex

VASCO

Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker on Monday met traditional Goan fruit and vegetable vendors and urged them to shift their business to the first floor of the newly inaugurated Vasco fish market complex, where space has been earmarked for them.

Borker said these vendors were historically part of the fish market ecosystem and had earlier operated around the old market premises.

“When the fish vendors were shifted to a temporary shed, the traditional fruit and vegetable vendors also moved there and continued their business. Now that the fish vendors have been accommodated in the new market complex, we have made proper space arrangements for the traditional fruit and vegetable vendors on the first floor, as they are an integral part of the market,” he said.

He said the vendors have been asked to shift to the new complex from Tuesday. However, he acknowledged their apprehension about business prospects.

“They are worried that they may not get the same footfalls inside the complex as they were getting while operating outside. We have discussed this with them and requested them to cooperate and shift, as adequate space has already been allotted,” Borker said.

The MMC chairperson also warned of strict action against illegal roadside vending.

“The vendors fear that customers may prefer buying from those selling fruits and vegetables on the roadside, and their concern is genuine. Hence, we have decided to take the strictest action against illegal roadside vendors. Even those running stalls along the roadside will have to be shifted,” he said.

Appealing to residents, Borker urged people of Vasco to support the traditional Goan vendors by shopping at the new fish market complex.

“We want all fruit and vegetable vendors to function from the same complex, and necessary provisions will be made for this,” he said.

Referring to roadside vending that began during the COVID-19 period, Borker said many people took advantage of the situation and started operating from unauthorised areas.

“After doing business for years at the same spot, they have begun to believe that the area is legally allotted to them. This is not the case. I urge them to vacate these areas before action is initiated, so that vendors who have been selling their produce legitimately for the last 40 years are not affected,” he said.