PANAJI
A fresh encroachment on a pedestrian footpath and public parking area along the Mandovi riverfront has drawn sharp criticism from residents, activists and public representatives.
The disputed encroachment has come up at the premises formerly known as Quarterdeck, adjoining the Panaji ferry wharf, which is currently leased by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to a private firm.
Citizens have questioned what they describe as an encroachment on public space and are expected to raise the issue with the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Monday.
Civic rights group GOACAN has announced that it will launch a campaign from Monday, demanding the immediate removal of the encroachment.
“If this is allowed by the CCP, every establishment will start blocking pedestrian pathways and parking spaces. This is a direct violation of Supreme Court directives on encroachments on pedestrian pathways,” the organisation said.
Goacan alleged that the encroachment restricts the free movement of pedestrians, particularly persons with disabilities and senior citizens, to benefit a private commercial establishment.
CCP Opposition councillor Jack Sukhija also termed the development illegal and called for urgent action by the civic body.
“This is a very bad precedent and the encroachment on the public road must be addressed by the CCP. Similar encroachments in other parts of Panaji must also be taken up,” Sukhija said.
The controversy has once again raised concerns over the protection of public spaces in the State capital, with residents maintaining that pedestrian infrastructure and public parking should not be compromised for private commercial interests.
