In a letter addressed to the Deputy Director of Tourism, Association President Filomena Cabral requested the department to officially communicate the government’s policy decisions regarding the redevelopment plans through an official circular or notification.
The association, which represents 76 local stall owners operating at Dona Paula jetty, stated that many vendors, including several widows, have been running their businesses at the location for several decades.
The vendors pointed out that the Dona Paula jetty area was notified as a “Hawker’s Zone” by the Corporation of the City of Panaji through an Extraordinary Official Gazette notification issued in 2008. The association said the notification was intended to safeguard and protect the trade and business of hawkers operating in the area.
Seeking protection of their livelihood, the stall owners said they should be taken into confidence before any redevelopment work is undertaken. They have demanded transparency in the proposed modification plan and sought details about the arrangements being made for existing vendors.
The association has raised concerns over temporary kiosks being planned as part of the redevelopment, stating that vendors require a clear commitment that these temporary structures will eventually be replaced with permanent shops. They said any redevelopment plan should include a proper and organised arrangement for the existing stall owners rather than leaving them uncertain about their future.
The letter stated that stall owners have repeatedly faced uncertainty over proposed developments at the jetty and alleged that past decisions had affected their businesses. The association claimed that vendors were removed from the jetty in 1993 but later continued their businesses at the location.
The vendors also raised concerns over access restrictions at the jetty, stating that the installation of a gate has affected residents and villagers who traditionally used the area for leisure and relaxation.
The association further claimed that a Leave and License Agreement was entered into by the Tourism Department with Dona Paula Ventures Private Limited in 2008 for an initial period of 15 years, with a provision for renewal. It has sought clarity on how the latest redevelopment plans will impact existing stall owners.
Calling for a “sympathetic gesture” from the government, the association has requested that all 76 stall owners be consulted before any decisions are implemented. It said redevelopment should be carried out with transparency while ensuring that vendors who have depended on the jetty for their livelihood are not displaced.
