Many believe it may come at cost of traditional traders in city’s municipal market
MAPUSA
A storm of apprehension is brewing in Mapusa as opposition councillors, local residents and civic activists express deep concerns over the State government’s proposed plan to redevelop the Mapusa bus terminus under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model.
While the project is being pitched as a modern, integrated transport hub meant to boost infrastructure and economic vibrancy in North Goa, many believe it may come at the cost of traditional traders in the Mapusa municipal market.
The redevelopment plan seeks to amalgamate the old and new inter-state bus-stands, creating a modern terminal spread over a sprawling 32,000 sq mtrs of prime municipal land.
However, critics point out that the proposal is alarmingly vague and lacks transparency about the intended use of such a large area, raising red flags about the potential for commercial exploitation.
Councillor Komal D’Souza has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents of the plan, questioning the absence of specifics in the transport department’s submission to the municipality. “What if they come up with a shopping complex or a mini-mall within the terminal area?” she asked, warning that such a move would undercut the livelihoods of long-standing local shopkeepers in the market.
Her concerns are echoed by other councillors like Shashank Narvekar and Tarak Arolkar, who fear that commercial elements embedded in the project could siphon business away from traditional market vendors and destabilise the local economy.
Narvekar also pointed to Mapusa’s persistent parking woes and lamented the fact that earlier plans to construct a multi-level parking facility at the site seem to have been sidelined by the new, opaque redevelopment blueprint.
Arolkar, while reiterating that the group is not against development per se, emphasised the need for clarity. “We are in the dark about what is coming up in this massive area. If it includes malls or retail shops, it’s not healthy competition – it’s predatory,” he said.
Civil society, too, is beginning to mobilise. Social activist Sanjay Barde strongly criticised the ruling councillors’ decision to greenlight the project, warning that the move could “sound the death knell for traditional traders.”
Barde raised a critical concern about the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) allowed for the site, which stands at 200. With such a high FAR, he argued, developers could easily flood the compound with commercial units, most of which would likely be owned or operated by outsiders.
This, he warned, would result in a parallel market operating from the bus terminal itself, diverting customers from the established municipal market and threatening its sustainability.
MMA raises red flag over commercial plans at bus terminus
MAPUSA: The Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) has voiced strong reservations over the proposed redevelopment of the Mapusa bus terminus, warning that the inclusion of commercial shops within the project could adversely affect local business activity and threaten the livelihoods of existing market traders.
MMA President Jeetendra Falari voiced concern over the potential fallout of the project, pointing out that the municipal market currently accommodates 151 shops, with business owners hailing from across all seven constituencies in Bardez. “If a mall or shopping centre comes up at the new bus terminus project, it will not only affect the shop owners but also the families that depend on these businesses for survival,” Falari said.
“If the project threatens the livelihoods of the local traders, we will do everything in our power to oppose it,” he added.
He criticised the Mapusa Municipal Council for passing a resolution in support of the project without properly studying the detailed plans or engaging with stakeholders. Echoing similar sentiments, former MMC chairperson and MMA chief Ashish Shirodkar slammed the councillors for blindly approving the project without meaningful deliberation. “These councillors have become sitting ducks. They act like ‘yes men’ and fail to ask relevant questions,” Shirodkar remarked.
He drew parallels with the implementation of sanitation fees, where a model draft was adopted without tailoring it to local requirements or holding adequate discussions. Shirodkar reiterated the association’s demand for a multi-level parking facility, stressing that such infrastructure is far more crucial for the town’s current needs.
Councillors dismiss mall fears, say no final plan yet
MAPUSA: Former Mapusa market chairman and councillor Viraj Phadke clarified that only a provisional NOC has been granted for the redevelopment of the Mapusa bus terminus, and the council has not been briefed on the detailed plans.
He dismissed speculation about a mall coming up at the site, saying such assumptions are premature.
“We don’t know what else is going to come up at the bus-stand, so making assumptions is pointless,” Phadke said.
He added that the Mapusa municipal market is unique, especially for fresh produce, which malls typically don’t offer.
“Competition will always exist, but our market offers something different,” he said.
Councillor Ashirwad Khorjuvenkar echoed Phadke’s views and went further to say that even if a mall is built, it could actually boost footfall in the area.
“More people will visit Mapusa. After going to the mall, they’ll also stop by the market,” he said.
Khorjuvenkar claimed local merchants were being misled by misinformation and emphasised that no final plans had been shared.
He welcomed the proposal, stating it could generate significant revenue for the council.
Attempts to reach Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Priya Mishal were unsuccessful, as calls to her remained unanswered.
