the goan I network
OLD GOA
Accusing those doing illegal businesses in Merces of taking the panchayat for a ride, frustrated Merces panchayat authorities went to the extreme by taking law in their own hands and demolished a newly built wall of Niyaaz restaurant along the highway NH17 at Santa Cruz-Merces junction.
They also forced several other businesses to shut shop in a drive that took place on Friday afternoon in the presence of the panchayat secretary and the panchayat staff.
Deputy Sarpanch Armstrong Braganza and panch Prakash Naik were in the forefront of the drive and sternly warned business owners to first get permissions from necessary authorities and the panchayat, before they conduct business.
“If anybody restarts operations of their business, we will take stern action,” warned Naik and asked those having legal permissions to submit documents to the panchayat within 7 days.
Speaking to the media, a highly charged Naik targeted the owner of Niyaaz restaurant.
“There is a demolition order for the restaurant. Yesterday, he demolished a part and started fresh construction of a wall due to which we came here and demolished the same. The restaurant owner is doing dadagiri, which will not be tolerated henceforth,” warned Naik.
“We got a complaint that illegal construction is done and hence, we have taken immediate action. This is last warning to the restaurant owner. If he wants to, he can approach any authority, we are willing to take him head on,” Naik further challenged, while opining that the panchayat authorities have been taken for a ride by the restaurant owner.
“I also request highways authorities to immediately demolish the restaurant as it is hampering the widening of the highway,” he added.
Naik also targeted higher authorities like FDA and health for not taking any action in the matter despite several complaints by the panchayat.
“The restaurant owner is from Belgaum. Outsiders are doing businesses but no action is forthcoming from authorities. If the same is done by Goans, action is prompt by government authorities,” Naik opined, while condemning the double standards by higher authorities when it comes to action against Goans.
When questioned what would be the future course of action of the panchayat if the restaurant is not closed down, Naik said, “We will approach the deputy collector and the mamlatdar to seal the restaurant.”
The panchayat authorities then targeted illegal parking of vehicles and kiosks on both sides of the road which was hampering smooth flow of traffic.
“We are clearing the footpaths as well as parking of vehicles and kiosks as it hampers smooth flow of traffic. This area has become an accident prone zone and many lives have been lost,” Naik added.
