the goan I network
VASCO
Several makeshift Pani Puri stalls, which were earlier removed from various locations on different street corner junctions in Vasco, have begun cropping up after taking advantage of ongoing power struggles at the Mormugao Municipal council (MMC).
The pani puri stalls have begun resurfacing at some locations in the city, much to the anger of residents.
When contacted, social activist Vikram Sarmalkar said the Pani Puri stalls should be removed immediately.
“If the MMC wants to allow these migrants to blindly do business anywhere, then they must first allow Goan youth to carry out business like selling traditional food like Chouris Pao or Vada Pao,” said Sarmalkar.
Another resident, Feroz Shaikh, said Pani Puri stalls operated after dusk only to escape action from municipal inspectors who would leave by 6 pm. “These stalls occupy the streets and cause congestion. Besides, we are unsure about the hygiene of their food items and children can fall sick just as school reopens in the next few days,” said Khan.
Several makeshift stalls were earlier cleared as the stalls did not have any permissions from MMC and other authorities, after people began questioning their hygiene and timing of operations.
Several residents had earlier complained to the MMC that the stalls selling Pani Puri would operate after dusk and occupy footpaths, causing inconvenience to pedestrians and endangering motorists as the stalls and the crowd of customers would block road visibility.
