Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker and a municipal team on Tuesday morning carried out a surprise inspection of the Vasco vegetable market, following repeated complaints of congestion and illegal encroachments.
During the inspection, the MMC cleared all road encroachments by vendors and removed additional tarpaulin sheets, plastic coverings and other objects that had narrowed the internal roads and turned the market area into a heavily congested zone.
Municipal staff were seen removing excess trays and dismantling makeshift extensions that spilled onto the roadway.
Speaking to reporters, Borker said the action was taken after continuous complaints from citizens about the difficulty in walking through the market and the complete blockage of internal roads. He said the municipal council had decided to introduce a clear system to prevent future violations.
“Everyone is complaining about congestion in the vegetable market and we are also tired of repeatedly requesting vendors not to encroach on the roads. We are not against business, but there has to be discipline,” Borker said.
He pointed out that vendors were flouting instructions by placing four to five trays outside their shops on either side of the road.
“People can barely walk without bumping into each other. Where will pedestrians walk? On top of that, vendors have fixed plastic sheets and tarpaulins to extend their space, making the area look dirty, despite clear warnings not to use such materials,” he said.
Borker said the municipal council had earlier relaxed enforcement during the monsoon but would no longer tolerate violations.
“We had allowed a maximum of two trays outside shops on request, but vendors have taken advantage and extended this to four or five trays, which is unacceptable,” he said.
Announcing a permanent solution, Borker said white lines would be marked outside shops to clearly define the maximum space permitted.
“Any tray placed beyond the white line will be confiscated immediately. This time, seized trays will not be returned,” he warned.
He added that the assistant technical officer (ATO) had been instructed to supervise the market regularly, while municipal inspectors would closely monitor compliance.
“We are providing facilities, including initiating work on a toilet block as demanded by vendors. But discipline has to be maintained. We will not hesitate to take harsh steps if violations continue,” Borker said.
