OLD GOA
The issue of kiosks being operated under the license of moving carts saw heated arguments at the Merces gram sabha, on Sunday with a local urging the panchayat to initiate action in the matter.
Raising the issue, a local Roy D'Souza pointed out that the panchayat has given license for operation of moving carts but instead the vendors have stationed permanent kiosks at the Merces junction due to which traffic problem occurs in the area.
"This cannot be allowed under the GPR Act and the panchayat should initiate action against the holders of moving cart licenses," D'Souza urged.
However, upset over the same one of the villagers directed ire at D'Souza while questioning why she is being targeted. "This is my only livelihood," the villager added.
The panchayat authorities too said that the vendors operating are locals from Merces but D'Souza advised the panchayat to setup a vending zone, through legal process.
However, some locals opined that there are plans to clear the entire area around the Merces junction once the District Court starts functioning.
The issue of parking of vehicles on the roads also was discussed at length with the locals pointing that it leads to narrowing of roads due to which ambulances and fire tenders are not able to freely manoeuvre during emergencies.
A local Edwin Vaz urged the panchayat to look into the matter and notify the Traffic Department to act against such vehicle owners.
The blockade of service road from Panaji to Merces junction was also raised with the locals questioning the undue delay in completing the construction of a culvert.
"This has resulted in Kadamba buses not being available for the students and office goers at the underpass near the Santa Cruz - Merces junction and they have to walk all the way to Santa Cruz market or the GMC bus stops to catch the buses," a local informed while demanding that a Kadamba bus should be operated from Merces to Bambolim via Santa Cruz till the time that the service road is thrown open for public.
The issue of scrapyards at Bamon Bhat, Merces was also raised with the locals demanding that such scrapyards should not be allowed to operate in residential areas.
Sarpanch Sushant Govekar assured to hold inspection of the area and act against any such scrapyard operating without sanction from the authorities.
The issue of Merces Spring was also discussed with the locals demanding that there should be constant police patrolling in the area to monitor movement of unwanted elements. The panchayat was also urged to install CCTV cameras if necessary.
Locals also took objection to the development of road at the Moloca junction which has resulted in narrowing the same. The locals said that two vehicles are unable to pass through the road at the same time while laying the blame on the retaining wall.
"The retaining wall needs to be demolished," a villager demanded.
Issues of garbage, drainages, water logging and many others were also discussed.
