Owners who sublet stalls to ‘outsiders’ warned
MAPUSA
The Saligao panchayat on Monday removed unauthorised stalls parked on the roadside in various parts of the village even, as the sarpanch warned the stall owners of action for subletting the stalls to outsiders.
The panchayat formed an anti-encroachment team and along with police protection removed nine such stalls stationed near the church and other areas. Saligao Sarpanch Lucas Remedios informed that the action was initiated after the panchayat had recently taken a decision in the fortnightly meeting to remove all the roadside gaddas (stalls).
Most of the stalls were dealing with fast food items such as raas-omlet, sausage bread, tea and other snacks.
“We issued notices to all the owners to remove the stalls within 15 days if not the panchayat will seize them. Now, the owners can claim their stalls by paying a fine of Rs 5,000. If they fail to claim the gaddas (stalls) within eight days, we will auction them,” Remedios said.
The sarpanch said a similar action was initiated in the past and the panchayat had removed these gaddas (stalls) and the owners were warned not to park the stalls on the roadside. He said in spite of the warning the owners continued to retain the stalls on the roadside.
“The stalls act as a nuisance as they block the view of the motorists. We had no other alternative but to seize the stalls today,” he said.
He further informed that the stall licences were in certain individuals’ names but they were sublet to outsiders.
“We will take action on such licensees. Outsiders cannot run the stalls. Only those who have taken the licences can run the stalls. If they are not interested to carry out the business then they can return the licences,” a tough talking Remedios said.
He said next time the panchayat will lift the stalls without issuing any notices.
