the goan I network
MARGAO
The Shadow Council for Margao on Sunday strongly criticized the authorities, including the MMC, for granting permission to Vishal Mart without examining whether provision of a parking facility, if any, has been made by it.
The SCM further stated that the traffic chaos and congestion at Aquem reflects on the poor foresight and planning of the city fathers, pointing out that the situation along the road from Carmelite monastery right up to the Power House is worse than a nightmare experience and speaks of the manner in which big-time businessmen get the ODP (outline development plan) modified as per their whims and fancies.
"All along the road, one will notice different road-widening setbacks for different projects. It will be interesting to note that a project right opposite Costa Factory has been constructed much away from the centre of the road, and this particular project was constructed several years back," stated Shadow Council convener Savio Coutinho.
He said with the passage of time and growth in vehicle population, one could expect that the width of the road would increase.
He pointed out that on account of very poor parking facility at Vishal Mart, visitors are parking their vehicles on internal roads in the area, thereby causing immense hardships to the local residents. "The Margao Municipal Council should have had simple foresight before granting trade licence to Vishal Mart to start operation," he said, stating that it is necessary for the authorities concerned to work out corrective measures to ease traffic congestion along the road so as to relieve the public from hardships.
The SCM further warned that the public will be forced to come on the streets in case of failure of the authorities to address the issue.
