MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) on Saturday has warned the vendors in the municipal market to follow rules and do business within the area demarcated to them or be ready to face action which will amount to confiscation of goods and payment of stiff fines.
The municipal inspectors and other civic staff have also been directed to take strict action against all vendors and shop owners who do not follow a proper system in the market.
“The vendors have occupied more space than what has been allotted to them. Some have set up stalls right up to the gate blocking access of people who come to shop. We have issued a warning to them to mend their ways and follow the rules. If they are found violating the rules again we will confiscate their items and even issue fines,” said Ashirwad Korjuvenkar, the new chairman of market committee.
Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Priya Mishal along with Korjuvenkar and members of the Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA) conducted an inspection in the municipal market to understand the problems and issues in the municipal market.
The merchants had brought to the notice of the civic body about issues facing the people coming to shop in the market vis-Ã -vis the problems created by vendors who occupy every available space in the market inconveniencing the shoppers.
“We have conducted an inspection of the municipal market to get a feel and learn problems/issues raised by the merchants. The MMA has placed several issues before us. We have noted the issues and an appropriate decision will be taken after studying the matter and taking everyone into confidence,”
Mishal said.
She said on Fridays, which is the market day in Mapusa, the entire road is swarmed with vendors leaving very little space for people to walk.
“As per standing instructions the vendors are allowed to sit on either side of the road inside the market but the middle part has to be left free for people to walk. But now it is found that vendors occupy even the middle area of the road leaving very little space for people to walk,” she said.
Some shop owners in the market informed that some hotels released sewage water in the open gutters causing nuisance to them and the people visiting the market.
“Besides the horrible stink we have to face the menace of mosquitoes late in the evenings. The unused boxes and other waste dumped in the area also created a problem. We hope the civic officials take note of the problem,” a shopkeeper informed.
