the goan I network
MARGAO
Migrants making merry in a land espousing the cause of Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn may come as a big surprise to many a Niz Goemkar for the local Margao Municipal body and the Fatorda police have till date turned a blind eye to the nuisance created by migrants right in the heart of Fatorda opposite the sprawling SGPDA grounds.
The migrants have literally made the space along the footpath their second home, as they are found cooking along the footpath, and hanging their clothes to dry on the SGPDA wall. The activity had been going on in full public view for the last several days, but not a single authority has intervened to clear the footpath. It could not be gathered whether the presence of the migrants was linked to the ongoing Holy Spirit feast fair on the adjoining parking land acquired by the Margao Municipal Council.
Acting Margao Municipal Chairperson Tito Cardozo said he has issued strict instructions to the Margao Municipal officials to crack a whip against the illegal activity making the entire area an eyesore. "I have received complaints that the space has been converted into a makeshift home on the footpath. They are putting washed clothes for dry on the SGPDA wall and also undertaking cooking all along the footpath," he said.
What's interesting is that while the powers that be from Fatorda, right from the Fatorda MLA and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, the Margao Municipal Council and the Goa Forward Party office bearers do not lose a single opportunity to swear by Goem, Goemkar and Goemkarponn, they have maintained stoic silence on the migrant nuisance.
The Shadow Council of Margao has also joined the local citizens in slamming the Margao Municipal authorities for their inaction against the migrants. SCM convenor Savio Coutinho said the municipal authorities have also conveniently preferred to turn a blind eye to the slum-like situation on the footpaths along the road leading to the KTC bus stand with migrants cooking and defecating in full public view.
