PANAJI
The city market witnessed a heated situation when the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) continued its drive against the illegal encroachment by vendors amidst opposition from the erring vendors.
The CCP Commissioner Sanjith Rodrigues was gheraoed by vendors who alleged harassment.
While CCP charged that the market committee is involved in illegalities and asserted that the action is being taken on recommendations of the Food and Drug Administration(FDA) and Fire & Emergency Services.
The vendors have formed structures that have totally changed the basic planned structure of the market. The encroachment has created a dangerous and unsafe environment so FDA and Fire and Emergency Services have directed to remove the encroachments.
Earlier in January CCP has taken such action against encroachment in the Panaji market. Residents of Panaji had to face major hardships at that time as the market remained closed in protest against the City Corporation’s drive to clear the alleged illegal encroachments in the market premises.
The merchants’ association has objected to the action of the CCP after which the latter temporarily halted the action. Now CCP has again initiated the action.
Meanwhile, the vendors’ association has alleged that this is harassment to small vendors. The CCP has initiated action without any notice, alleged an aggrieved vendor.
