MAPUSA
The Mapusa Merchants’ Association has sought a height restriction on goods displayed by roadside vendors in the Mapusa market, alleging that towering stacks of merchandise are blocking the visibility of permanent shops and affecting their business.
Visibility concerns
In a memorandum submitted to the Mapusa Municipal Council Chief Officer on Thursday, the association specifically flagged the fruit vendors’ lane and the stretch adjoining the Kadamba bus stand, where it claimed some roadside vendors were stacking goods well above normal display levels.
According to the association, the high displays obstruct the view of permanent shops behind the vending areas, preventing customers from properly seeing the shops, their merchandise and signboards.
Height limits sought
The merchants have urged the council to conduct a joint inspection of the affected areas and prescribe a reasonable maximum height for the display and stacking of goods by roadside vendors.
They have also sought clear demarcation of designated vending and display spaces, with vendors required to ensure that their goods remain within the allotted areas.
Enforcement urged
The association further urged the council to ensure that roadside displays do not block shop entrances, signboards or pedestrian movement, and called for regular inspections to enforce the norms.
It also sought notices and warnings against violations, followed by appropriate action against repeat offenders under applicable municipal regulations.
Fair access
While acknowledging the importance of providing space to roadside vendors and maintaining a vibrant market, the merchants said vending activity needed to be regulated to ensure fair visibility and access for both roadside vendors and permanent shopkeepers.
Association president Shripad Sawant and secretary Siddesh Raut have urged the MMC to intervene at the earliest, particularly in the fruit vendors’ lane and the stretch next to the Kadamba bus stand.
