MARGAO
Agitated traders of the Margao New Market gheraoed Margao Municipal Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes over his Covid advisory asking people to avoid travelling to Margao in view of the spurt in Covid cases in the city.
The Chief Officer, however, stood his ground saying it is his moral duty to issue the advisory considering the spurt in Covid cases and the health of the citizens in general.
Led by Margao New Market Traders Association President Vinod Shirodkar, the traders confronted the Chief Officer in his office, pointing out that the advisory will affect their business adversely. They demanded to know why the advisory was not issued when the Covid had shown signs of raising its ugly head again.
Vinod demanded that the MMC should immediately waive the Municipal taxes and fees pointing out that the advisory will impact their business and livelihood.
They further questioned the inaction by the Margao Municipality against the illegal vendors swarming around the New Market area, selling goods illegally right under the nose of the Municipal authorities.
He warned the Chief Officer that the traders will be forced to take out a morcha to the MMC building if the civic body does not take action against the illegalities and encroachments outside the market.
The Chief Officer, however, sought to explain to the vendors that the advisory in no way makes an appeal to the people in general to avoid coming to the markets. “My advisory has only cautioned the people travelling to the city in groups to avoid the travel so that their presence does not contribute the further spread in the virus. I stand by my advisory as it was my moral responsibility to alert the citizens in view of the spurt in the Covid cases,” Agnelo said.
He added: “The advisory was issued as a matter of abundant caution. It does not speak about closure of the markets or speak of urging the people to stop coming into the market.”
