VALPOI
A vegetable and fruit market built at a cost of several crores of rupees near the Valpoi Municipal Council office has remained virtually unused for nearly six years, even as vendors continue to operate from footpaths and roadsides across the town.
The project, undertaken by the Goa Government with an initiative from local MLA and Minister Vishwajit Rane, was intended to provide a safe and organised marketplace for vegetable and fruit vendors. After its inauguration, the Municipal Council initially arranged for vendors to operate from the complex for around six months.
However, the market gradually became deserted. At present, no vegetable or fruit vendors are reportedly operating there regularly, with only two flower vendors using the premises.
Vendors return to footpaths
Meanwhile, vegetable, fruit and flower vendors have shifted to footpaths and roadside locations. This has raised concerns over pedestrian safety and traffic movement, particularly in busy areas of the town.
Citizens said the situation was ironic as a dedicated market facility remains unused while vendors conduct business in places that obstruct pedestrians. Stalls, crates and baskets placed on footpaths often force people to walk on the road, creating difficulties for senior citizens, women, children and students.
Valpoi is an important commercial centre in Sattari and attracts residents from surrounding areas. With several educational institutions in the town, there is considerable movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Roadside vending, along with customer crowds and loading and unloading, can add to traffic congestion.
Citizens have questioned the Valpoi Municipal Council’s failure to address the issue and urged its market department and supervisor to conduct a comprehensive survey of vegetable, fruit and flower vendors. They said vendors should be allotted suitable spaces in the designated market and clear rules should be enforced against footpath vending.
They also called for discussions with vendors to find a practical solution that protects their livelihoods while keeping footpaths and roads clear.
Building deteriorates
The unused market building is also reportedly deteriorating due to years of neglect and inadequate maintenance. Trees and vegetation have grown in parts of the premises, with some taking root on sections of the walls. The toilets inside the building are also reportedly in poor condition.
Citizens warned that continued neglect could lead to further deterioration and higher repair costs. They have demanded immediate cleaning, repairs and regular maintenance of the building.
Proper utilisation of the market could also generate revenue for the Municipal Council through shop rents and licences. Citizens said a transparent system for allotment, reasonable rents, vendor licences and clear maintenance responsibilities could help revive the facility.
Demand to revive project
Citizens stressed that the multi-crore project was created using public funds and should serve its intended purpose. They have urged the Government and Municipal Council to take immediate steps to make the market operational and prevent the public asset from deteriorating further.
They said reviving the facility would benefit vendors and consumers while helping improve traffic and pedestrian movement in the town. It could also ensure that the public investment is put to proper use instead of allowing the building to remain idle.
