The gadda mafia is back in the commercial capital once again. Around a month after an abortive attempt was made to install a new gadda at the pick up stand, two kiosks have come up near the KTC bus stand recently.
The newly-painted kiosks have been installed along the roadside in front of the KTC canteen, with reports doing the rounds in the corridors of the Margao civic body that the development points accusing fingers at the powers that be behind the presence of the new gaddas.
What’s interesting to note is while the new gaddas have come up near the KTC bus stand around a week ago, the municipal authorities are yet to step in and ascertain whether they are legal or illegal and whether the two kiosks are erected with approval from the civic body.
On Sunday, when The Goan drew attention of the Margao Municipal vice-chairperson, Doris Texeira, to shed light on the installation of the new kiosks near the KTC bus stand, she feigned ignorance about the development.
Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai, when questioned about the kiosks, says that she would check up with the municipal administration on the status of the two kiosks and initiate necessary action. “These are matters which are to be dealt by the municipal administration as part of their routine duties. But, I will certainly check up with the officials on Monday,” she added.
Incidentally, ever since the Margao Municipal Council had disclosed its plan to rehabilitate gaddas and hawkers based on the recommendations of the newly-constituted Vending Committee, there have been many attempts made to install new gaddas at public open spaces. The number of road side hawkers have also gone up in recent times, sources said.
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