the goan I network
MARGAO
The Colva panchayat on Thursday decided to crack the whip against illegal roadside gaddas in the coastal village, including kiosks that have flouted panchayat permission issued for movable carts by setting up stationary stalls.
The action triggered an uproar near the Colva football ground, where many kiosks have set up stalls selling fast food items, fruits and vegetables, with some locals demanding that the panchayat clear all roadside illegal shops and structures.
They maintained that the panchayat should not single out only a few stalls, while turning a blind eye to other roadside illegalities in the village.
Panchayat secretary Amol Tilve along with a strong posse of policemen descended at the football ground on Thursday evening following correspondence received from the South Goa additional Collector Surendra Naik seeking report on the illegalities.
The panchayat secretary told the stall owners, numbering around 13 to move out of the area, saying they are not supposed to set up any stationary stalls as per the license conditions. He said the stalls were engaged in the business of selling fast food items, with some converting the structure as mini-restaurants.
Former sarpanch and panchayat member Menino Fernandes said the panchayat has adopted a resolution to remove all roadside illegal business structures.
“The roadside gaddas have been causing traffic obstruction. Some of these gaddas have panchayat permission as mobile carts, but they have misused the permission by carrying out the business of restaurant and fast food, affecting the licensed restaurants run by locals in the village,” Menino added.
