the goan I network
BICHOLIM
Accusing the Bicholim Municipal Council (BMC) of sidelining market rules and allowing illegalities in the municipal market, the Bicholim Bachao Abhiyan (BBA) has threatened to petition the court if the illegalities are not stopped
immediately.
“Even though three phases of the market complex are completed and a shed for Sarvajanik Ganapati worship has also been constructed, BMC officials are constructing kiosks for vendors in an area allotted as a parking space and this is illegal,” said BBA President and former Bicholim MLA Naresh Sawal while addressing a news conference in the city.
“The resolution was passed at the BMC meeting and BMC Chairperson Rajaram Gaonkar has claimed that these vendors have been paying Sopo tax for the last few years. This resolution is illegal and unacceptable.”
“Instead of building kiosks, the BMC should have accommodated these vendors in the shops inside phase 3 of the building,” Sawal added.
“Due to BMC’s decision, people visiting the market have to struggle to find parking space. We will challenge BMC’s decision in court if officials fail to stop these illegalities immediately,” warned Sawal.
Claiming that while the BBA has been making efforts to curb plastic and iron sheets from the market, Sawal accused the BMC of adding to the plastic menace.
“The BMC has allowed fruit vendors to occupy the entire area with plastic and this is an eyesore at the market.”
BBC Secretary Naresh Kadkade and other members were also present at the news
conference.
