Mapusa CO assures GHRC to keep
footpaths free of encroachments
MAPUSA
The chief officer of the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has assured the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) that all steps will be taken to ensure footpaths in Mapusa will remain free from encroachments and obstruction.
But with a growing number of encroachments on footpaths, particularly in the Mapusa Municipal Market, it appears the chief office has a tough job at hand.
MMC Chief Officer Raju Gawas on Thursday gave an assurance to the three-member GHRC, on a complaint filed by social activist, Aires Rodrigues against the authorities for remaining mere spectators to the obstruction of the footpaths, which was a clear Human Rights violation.
In his complaint, the social activist has stated that people’s access on the footpaths was obstructed by the metal frame which was erected on the footpaths on both side of the main road at the entrance of Mapusa some three months back.
Stating that the erection of the metal frame on the footpath was contrary to law, the social activist pointed out that the law requires all the footpaths be left unobstructed at all times for the pedestrians to use.
In fact, the thrust on Thursday was to even make the footpaths accessible by wheel chair for the disabled, he said.
After recording the undertaking given by the Chief Officer, the three-member Goa Human Rights Commission headed by Justice P K Misra and comprising retired District Judge A D Salkar and J A Keny disposed the complaint filed by Rodrigues.
Although the metal frame erected on the footpaths at the entrance of the Mapusa has already been removed some time back, encroachments on various footpaths in the town and Mapusa market continue blatantly with authorities turning a blind eye to the abuse of law.
Incidentally, the Shop no 94 “Gopalkrishna Parrikar” in the Mapusa Municipal Market belongs to the brother of former chief minister and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and deals in foodbgrains. The sacks are stored on the footpath in front of the shop.
Looking at the number of encroachments and obstruction on the footpaths in Mapusa market, the chief officer has a tough task at hand.
