THE GOAN NETWORK
VASCO
A special meeting of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) was held on Tuesday to deliberate on several pressing civic issues, including the inauguration of the new fish market, condition of Hindu crematoriums, unauthorised structures, and the gates erected by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) at Baina.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said the council convened to discuss and decide on multiple important matters.
"Regarding the new fish market, it is completed and ready, with only a few minor changes pending. The delay in inauguration is due to dates that need to be decided after consultation with the Urban Development Minister. While we expect to inaugurate the market this month, the crucial issue is that the fish market was never officially notified, despite being in existence for years. This was possibly an oversight by the council, and I have insisted that it be notified immediately," said Borker.
He added that while the market was built to accommodate 250 vendors based on demand, currently only around 100 vendors may be occupying the space.
"We will issue a three-month notice to all listed vendors to begin operations. If they fail to do so, we will allocate the remaining stalls to traditional fishermen of Goan origin to ensure proper usage of the facility and revenue generation for the MMC," Borker said.
Addressing the condition of Hindu crematoriums, Borker informed that both crematoriums in Vasco and Mormugao are run by the MMC, with the Vasco crematorium in need of urgent renovation.
"We plan to renovate it with assistance from Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), including constructing a ramp for immersion of ashes. A joint inspection with GSL will be conducted, after which the plan will be placed before the council for approval," he stated.
He also noted the lack of accommodation for crematorium staff, stating that MMC has decided to allow the crematorium caretaker and his family to reside on-site, citing the nature of their duties which often extend into the night.
Additionally, he said, “Night cremations will now require approval from the councillor or panch member concerned, to ensure that all legal formalities are met.”
Raising the issue of the gates installed by the MPA at Baina, Councillor Deepak Naik expressed frustration over the lack of action.
“We had passed a unanimous resolution to remove the gates and demolish the compound wall, yet no action has been taken. This has led to ridicule on social media and criticism from political opponents. If the MMC does not act within seven days, I will approach the court,” Naik warned.
He also highlighted concerns about road widening, citing a Supreme Court directive for road measurements that has caused anxiety among locals fearing property loss.
“There was no prior intimation to us about this government transaction. We have asked to defer this matter and conduct a separate meeting to address it properly,” said Naik.
