the goan I network
VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday morning cleared all products displayed on footpaths and roadsides, as part of an anti-encroachment drive in the municipality.
Surprised by the sudden MMC drive, many shopkeepers and vendors were
caught off guard as the MMC vehicle began approaching the markets and they were seen running around and trying to place the displayed products back into the shops.
According to information, an MMC team, comprising inspectors and the assistant tax officer, and a Vasco police team were present during the drive and the products displayed on encroached space were confiscated by MMC inspectors.
An MMC vehicle was seen doing several rounds after being loaded with goods displayed by shopkeepers on footpaths and roadsides in Vasco markets.
When contacted, MMC Chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar said the drive was carried out after MMC began receiving several complains of encroachment on footpaths.
“We have had a very clear vision that we are for development and that we at no cost will allow any kind of encroachment on footpaths and roads in Vasco.”
“We had met shopkeepers earlier during our previous anti-encroachment drive and requested them not to keep their products on footpaths.”
“However, they did not keep our request and we started receiving several complains of encroachment from citizens and hence, we had to carry the encroachment drive,” said Gaonkar.
The MMC chairperson said the municipal council had earlier cleared the encroachment and they had warned shopkeepers that items would be confiscated if there were encroachments again.
“We have been very clear that there should be no inconvenience to people while using the footpaths. We have today confiscated goods which were kept on the roads and footpaths and we will continue the drive till all encroachments disappear again,” said Gaonkar.
When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes said besides the regular market, MMC would also carry out a drive against encroachments at the vegetable and fruit markets, as people have also been complaining of encroachment.
“We have got complains about encroachments at the vegetable and fruit markets as well. We have to do our duty and a team has been constituted to carry out the encroachment drive. Our team is already checking for encroachments and they will carry out the necessary drive,” said Fernandes.
