Amid growing tension over the recent consecutive encroachment drives at the Vasco municipal market, vendors and the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) have arrived at an amicable solution following a detailed meeting with MMC Chairperson Girish Borker on Wednesday.
The vendors, who had been upset over the MMC’s action against stall extensions, admitted to minor encroachments and requested that they be allowed limited space outside their shops to display trays of goods.
The meeting was attended by several stall owners who expressed their concerns over the impact of the drive on their livelihood.
“We do understand that we may have overstepped the marked boundaries in some cases,” said a vendor representative.
“However, we request the MMC to consider the nature of our trade. Visibility is key for us to attract customers. We are not asking for full encroachment”just a practical solution that allows us to survive.”
Responding to the concerns, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker assured the vendors that the council was not acting against their business interests but was only trying to maintain order in the market area. He stressed the need for balancing commercial activity with public convenience.
“We have no intention of harassing vendors,” Borker said. “But we also have to ensure that the market remains accessible, clean and safe for all. After listening to the vendors' requests, we have decided to allow two trays to be placed outside each shop. However, this must be done in an organised and uniform manner, without blocking walkways.”
To further address long-standing infrastructure issues, Borker announced that the MMC would soon construct new toilet blocks inside the market.
“We understand the lack of sanitation facilities is a genuine concern. The new toilets will benefit both vendors and customers,” he said.
He also assured that the MMC would remove poles currently obstructing the market road. “This step will allow heavy vehicles such as vegetable trucks and MMC garbage trucks to move inside the market premises without difficulty,” he explained.
Many vendors welcomed the announcements and appreciated the chairperson’s willingness to hear them out.
“The meeting was constructive. We’re glad the MMC has shown a balanced approach. This kind of cooperation helps both sides,” said one of the senior fruit vendors.
The new understanding between MMC and the vendors is expected to ease friction, bring back normalcy in the busy market area, and create a more organised and hygienic space for trade.
Borker appealed to vendors to work with the council in upholding the new guidelines.
“Let’s work together to keep the Vasco market clean, organised, and thriving for everyone,” he told them.
