the goan I network
MAPUSA
The civic authorities have decided to resume the anti-encroachment drive and take it to its logical conclusion.
This time, however, they plan to take all precautions to avoid a repeat of the last time, when some shopkeepers along with the merchant community managed to halt the drive.
Sources in the council informed that authorities plan to approach the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and begin the drive with police protection.
Secondly, there are even plans to video record the entire clean-up campaign, so that footage could be used as evidence against anyone obstructing the drive.
“The High Court order (in the writ petition 148/97) clearly states that all municipal footpaths/roads should be cleared from any encroachments. So, if anyone comes in the way while we undertake the anti-encroachment drive, the person will be committing contempt of court,” a civic official informed.
The date of the anti-encroachment drive has, however, been kept under wraps.
The anti-encroachment footpath drive will not be confined only in the market, but will cover the entire MMC jurisdiction, which includes food joints and business establishments outside the market area.
It may be recalled last time when the municipal inspectors began the anti-encroachment drive in the market, the merchant community stopped the drive by linking it to the vendor’s issue.
The members of the Mapusa Merchants’ Association cried foul, stating that while the civic body failed to take action on vendors, they were vindictive against members of their association.
“The anti-encroachment drive was never put off. It had only been deferred for some time due to some issues raised by the merchants’ community. We have taken necessary steps as decided and the drive to clear the footpaths will begin very soon,” said MMC Chairperson Rohan Kavlekar.
Sources disclosed the vendors and the merchant community in the market are wary of the new market committee, which is headed by Sanjay Mishal, who has a clean image and considered a no-nonsense man.
After the election of the new MMC chairperson and the consequent election of the market committee, there are high expectations among residents of Mapusa that some order will be brought in the market.
