VASCO
Mormugao Municipal Council Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes has now decided to conduct an enquiry into many unauthorised nurseries selling plants in the port town.
Fernandes has directed municipal inspectors to conduct an enquiry within seven days and to submit a list of unauthorised nurseries in Vasco.
“It is brought to my notice that there are many illegal and unauthorized nurseries operating and selling plants on handcarts within the jurisdiction of this Municipal Council. It is also come to my knowledge that the variety shown by them are fake and not suitable to grow in Goan climate,” said Fernandes, while interacting with the media. “Municipal Inspectors have been directed to conduct enquiry and submit the list of such nurseries illegally operating in the jurisdiction of this council.”
This exercise should be conducted within a period of 7-days and file report” said Fernandes
Stating that these hand carts are illegally operating without obtaining necessary permission from Zonal Agricultural Office (ZAO) and trade license from the MMC, Fernandes said they are in total violation of Sections 4 and 7 of the Goa Fruit and Ornamental Plant Nurseries (Regulation) Act 1995.
“These illegal handcarts visit residential flats with a few plants and show them photos of fruit bearing trees which cannot be grown in Goan climate. They take orders and disappear after supplying them ordinary quality plants or damaged plants which die very soon.”
“This cheating business should be stopped forthwith. They also survey women who reside alone in their flats. Ladies residing alone are vulnerable and a stern warning should go to these illegal persons,” said Fernandes.
“The ZAO has to inspect nurseries and strict action has to be taken. I will contemplate a drive against such illegalities once he receives the report. Those running the business must compulsorily display the license number, name and address of the nursery, owner, contact number etc., so that customers are not cheated,” said Fermandes.
