the goan I network
VASCO
In a shocking incident, a number of baby rats and worms were found below vegetable trays displayed by vendors during a surprise inspection by Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) to check on road encroachment by vendors on Tuesday morning.
The incident, which has shocked MMC councillors who were part of the MMC market committee, and inspectors present during the inspection, has raised serious concerns over the hygiene maintained by vegetable and fruit vendors at the Vasco vegetable market.
The MMC began an anti-encroachment drive to ensure that the road is free for citizens and there is no congestion, after a woman was recently abused by a vendor for accidentally knocking down a lemon basket placed on the road while walking in the market.
“The road was earlier used by vehicles, but in recent times, vendors began coming on the road and placing their products on the road, leaving no place to walk,” said a market visitor and senior citizen, Milind Kakodkar.
On Tuesday, a surprise drive was carried out by MMC Market Committee members comprising the committee president Sandesh Mesta, Councillor Bhavna Bhosle and Councillor Rajan Faldesai. The MMC team notice encroachments on the roads and a MMC vehicle was called to seize the goods placed on the roads. The MMC team also realised that many vendors operated without valid licences but were carrying out business on the roads.
As soon as the drive began, vendors hastily began removing their baskets placed on the roads and as MMC inspectors began directing the vendors to remove the vegetable trays placed on the roads, MMC councillors, inspectors and onlookers noticed baby rats and worms below the trays .
The market committee later directed the vendors to clean the trays and maintain hygiene while selling the vegetables. Market committee also directed the illegal vendors to apply for licence and stop selling till licences was issued to them.
Speaking to reporters after inspection, MMC Councillor and Chairman of Market Committee Sandesh Mesta said the MMC would initiate action and remove stalls illegally operating in the market.
“We were asked by the chief officer to pay a visit to the market and get the encroachments cleared. We will also write to the police to assist us in the evening hours and clear any encroachments in the market.”
Another Market Committee member councillor Rajan Faldesai said some vendors have been operating without licence. “These vendors block the road with their products and cause congestion,” said Faldesai.
Added Councillor Bhavna Bhosle: “We have given strict instructions to vendors keep the area clean and maintain hygiene while selling vegetables. We will take stringent action and keep continuing such surprise visit till such encroachments are cleared.”
