the goan I network
MARGAO
Finally, the authorities have begun to crack a whip against roadside vendors in the commercial capital, with the government extending the lockdown to May 3.
Margao Municipal Council workers with police in tow have conducted raids on the roadside vendors, who defied the lockdown and had no permission from the local civic body to operate.
The MMC-police team on Thursday descended on the Aquem area and seized watermelons kept for on the roadside.
MMC Chief Officer, Ajit Panchwadkar, who has been appointed as Incident Commander by the South Goa District Collector to enforce the lockdown, said the authorities, comprising MMC workers and the police, have started cracking a whip against the vendors.
“Apart from complaints that these vendors have been overcharging the gullible customers, they have been found operating without wearing masks and enforcing social distancing amongst the customers,” Panchwadkar said.
“The lockdown does not permit anyone to move around, except with a permit issued by the authorities. In the case of these vendors, they have no permits with them to move around or carry goods,” he said.
Panchwadkar made it clear that the crackdown against the vendors will continue.
