the goan I network
MARGAO
Former Minister Mickky Pacheco on Friday questioned the logic behind closing the state highway along the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, to hold the Konkan Fruit Festival, saying closure of the roads not only results in hardships to the local populace, but people from Salcete using the road.
Addressing the media, Mickky took potshots at the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai for organizing shows on the road adjoining the Ravindra Bhavan by closing the road. He also took objection to the setting up of stalls on the footpath along the Ravindra Bhavan road, demanding to know how stalls can be set up there when the High Court has banned similar stalls on the footpath in and around the Old market area of the city.
“This is the third time that the Old Market-Ravindra Bhavan road has been closed for traffic just to hold a programme, beginning with the carnival programme. This has put people to great hardships,” he said, while demanding to know from the District Collector, South, whether roads can be closed for traffic just because a minister is organizing a programme at the venue. He also questioned the decision of the Excise Department to permit liquor consumption on the road during the three-day Konkan Fruit Festival. “Traffic police personnel move around the Colva belt with alcometers to check liquor consumption by motorists. Here in Fatorda, you can consume alcohol right on the roads,” he said.
Pointing to the erection of stalls on the footpath adjoining the main road, Mickky said the Holy Spirit feast fair has been shifted inside the SGDPA ground following the High Court ban on fairs along the footpath. “Is the High Court order not applicable for the Ravindra Bhavan footpath. Are the authorities turning a blind eye because of pressure from the minister?” Mickky questioned.
Making it clear that he is not opposed to the Konkan Fruit Fest or any other programme, Mickky said the minister ought to have organised the programme on the SGPDA ground or some fields as per the rules.
