THE GOAN NETWORK
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council finally cracked a whip against vendors selling fruits and vegetables on the roadsides, confiscating a pick-up load of tender coconuts, besides other fruits and vegetables.
This is perhaps the first time that the Margao Municipal Council has resumed the drive against the illegal vendors along the city roadside after the festive season. The action comes following instructions issued by Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes, who has directed the staff to continue the drive on a sustained basis.
Margao Municipal Market inspectors Seema Godge and Santu led the drive along the Power house road, Aquem before wending its way towards Borda. The confiscated tender coconuts, fruits and vegetables were later distributed to the local orphanages.
The Commercial capital has witnessed a rise in the number of illegal vendors across the city, selling fruits, vegetables and fish.
Sources in the know informed that the Civic body was cautious in not resuming the drive against the illegal vendors during the Christmas season. However, the Chief Officer has now given the go-ahead signal to the market inspectors to carry on the drive on a sustained basis.
Chief Officer Agnelo informed that the tender coconuts and the fruits were handed over to the local orphanages since it has been decided not to return back the goods to the vendors. “There is no deterrence amongst the illegal vendors, who keep coming on the roads even after the exercise. Hence, it has now been decided not to return back the goods once confiscated, but to hand the goods to the orphanages and old age homes”, he added.
