PANAJI
As part of its initiative to clear encroachments and illegalities in the municipality, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) cleared the area opposite the Salgaoncar House and the congestion in the fruit and vegetable markets of Vasco.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borkar has also warned of stern action, including sealing of shops and cancellation of licenses of those, indulging in encroachments which cause congestions in the markets.
Speaking to reporters, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said he had asked the MMC chief officer to take stringent action and also appealed to councillors and politicians not to interfere in MMC’s action in the matter.
“We have had enough of complains and despite several requests, some vendors indulge in regular encroachments outside their shops and do not allow free movement of pedestrians in the markets,” said Borkar.
“We have noticed many people selling their goods on roads and footpaths, causing traffic blocks and encroaching on parking space in the city. We have now decided on regular anti-encroachment drives and will confiscate goods. We may also escalate action by sealing shops and cancelling licenses of people indulging in encroachments. The MMC will not tolerate encroachments and illegalities,” said Borker.
The MMC chairperson clarified that the council was not against businesses.
“But vendors and shopkeepers must learn to operate in the space available and allotted to them, instead of unnecessarily keeping items outside their shops and causing rush and congestion which inconvenience many people,” said Borker.
“We have now cleared the area opposite the Salgaoncar House where people would sit on the roadside and eat up the parking space. We have also cleared congestion in the fruit and vegetable markets of Vasco,” said Borker.
Borker also appealed to people to come forward and point out congestions, encroachments or illegalities which may be missed or overlooked by the MMC.
“We want the markets to be free from congestions and have ample space for people, especially senior citizens and women to move around while giving the city also a good look without any traffic hindrance or encroachments,” said Borker.
