PONDA
The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) has given temporary respite to hawkers and kiosks from shifting them back to the Indira market in Ponda city.
However, the councillors have been asked to ascertain if the hawkers and kiosks were causing obstruction to traffic.
The council meeting presided over by PMC chairperson Pradip Naik was attended by all councillors, with Ponda MLA Ravi Naik and PMC Chief Officer Navanath Naik also present on the occasion.
It may be recalled that in the first week of this month, Goa Forward Party had demanded action against movable kiosks/hawkers who were doing business by the roadside in the city.
The earlier PMC had shifted these hawkers to the Indira Market at the old bus stand to enable smooth flow of traffic. But after the new council was formed, these street vendors were seen going back to their earlier sites.
Eight months ago, the PMC had identified three places, Indira Market, Upper Bajar and a place near the administrative building to set up vending zones. All movable kiosks were shifted to these zones.
PMC Chairperson Pradip Naik told the councillors that hawkers had approached him saying they were not getting business after they were displaced from their original place and given space in the Indira market.
According to Naik, the Indira Market had turned dirty since these hawkers were shifted there. “Let us find out if these hawkers are creating traffic problems. Every councillor should take this responsibility and bring it to the notice of council,” he said.
Later speaking to media persons, Naik said they had also discussed about development works during the PMC meeting.
“After the rains, we will start development works in all wards by spending Rs 8 lakh in each area,” he said.
