MAPUSA
It may be recalled that the Mapusa Municipal Council held an anti-encroachment drive in Mapusa market on Saturday morning but it ended within minutes after members of the Mapusa Merchants Association along with its president Ashish Shirodkar rushed to the spot and stopped the staff from clearing encroachments on the footpaths.
Shirodkar along with other members met the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Rohan Kavlekar on Monday and demanded that the Council initiates action on roadside vendors for blocking the roads before clearing any encroachment on the footpath on the part of the shop owners.
The MMA members said the vendors who used to sell their goods only on market day which is Friday are now seen selling their wares in the market everyday of the week, and as a result blocking the market road with their commodities.
“Many vendors bring clothes in their vehicles and sell it in the middle of the road in the market. Why is the Mapusa Municipal Council not taking any action against them,” asked a member.
According to the Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA), some vendors are found showing up at the market to sell their wares only after the municipal council staff leaves for the day.
“Many new vendors also make a beeline to the market after 5.30 pm when the MMC staff leaves for the day. The MMC should make it a point to visit the market at about 6 pm and confiscate the materials of such vendors,” demanded the member.
MMC Chairperson Kavlekar said the anti-encroachment drive in Mapusa market was conducted by acting on complaints from MMA.
“MMC has work in the interests of the merchants and the drive would continue. Action will also be initiated against roadside vendors,” he added.
