MARGAO
Senior Power official Kashinath Shetye has now focussed his attention on clearing gaddas on the footpath outside the Aquem Power House building and may come face to face with the powers that be promoting gaddas on the city footpaths.
In fact, Shetye has dashed off a letter to the South Goa district Collector as well as the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council calling for the immediate shifting of the gaddas on the footpath.
Given that electricity being an essential service, Shetye said the area and the footpath is required by the department for parking of department vehicles to make immediate turn out in times of emergencies. “I have written a letter to the Collector and Margao Municipal Council since gaddas are operating on the footpath just near the Power control room at the Aquem head office. This has to stop since electricity is an essential service and we have to act in emergencies,” he said.
Saying that the gaddas in no way are providing employment for the Goans, he said those running the gadda stalls speak in Hindi. “I am not going into the issue of who is running the gadda stalls. But, the footpath should be cleared of the gaddas at the earliest. I have sought immediate removal of the gaddas and if the authorities do not remove, we will take our next course of action,” he warned.
Saying the gaddas are blocking the way of the Power Department, Shetye said the High Court order is very clear that there cannot be any gaddas on the footpaths and road widening areas.
Meanwhile, Kashinath Shetye has said that Power Department will recover the rent from the cable operators estimated around Rs 110 crore. “The hearing is scheduled on May 3 and we will take action as per the High Court order,” he said.
