OLD GOA
Ahead of the G20 summit which will be hosted by the State, authorities have directed many Tiswadi panchayats that all kiosks along the routes to be used by delegates be removed and all illegalities cleared by April 4.
Directions have also been issued to keep the roadsides clean and remove haphazard hoardings/signages, hawkers, etc.
Among the panchayats include Merces, Santa Cruz, Chimbel, Old Goa, Corlim, Curca and others.
In Merces, the panchayat has been asked to remove the kiosks dotting the Merces junction area as well as the hawkers operating along the bypass road.
In Santa Cruz, the panchayat has been given directions to act against the kiosks and hawkers operating outside the GMC.
In Corlim, the panchayat has been told to clear encroachments along the road leading to Corlim PHC from Carambolim, and from Corlim PHC to the road touching the highway. Also, to clear encroachments, obstructions along the Old Goa to Corlim road.
As for Old Goa, all the kiosks operating in and around the heritage sites have been directed to be removed.
It includes the kiosks operating outside the Basilica, outside the St Francis of Assisi Church, those operating near the Gandhi circle, those operating along the road from Gandhi circle to Divar ferry, those operating from Gandhi circle to the road leading towards Corlim, etc.
When contacted, one of the sarpanchas confirmed that they have received such directions and that the panchayat has already started initiating action in that direction.
“Inspections were done by the authorities earlier following which the directives have been issued and we have already started initiating action,” the sarpanch said.
Another sarpanch also said that they are acting on the directions received from the authorities and have asked the kiosk owners as well as the hawkers to vacate by April 4.
However, the sarpanchas said that no directions have been received as far as rehabilitation of the affected is concerned.
“Since most of the kiosks have been granted licences for moveable carts, the question of rehabilitation does not arise,” a sarpanch informed but said that they are working on a solution to resolve the issue.
