Warn of protest if govt fails to act within 15 days
VASCO
Local taxi operators in Vasco met Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar and Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Girish Borker on Sunday to express frustration over being left out of business at the Mormugao cruise terminal. They claimed that private and outside taxi services were being given preference, while traditional local taxi drivers were being sidelined, making it difficult for them to earn their livelihood.
The operators said they have served the port town for decades and supported tourism through different situations, including difficult periods, and now feel ignored as others benefit from cruise-related transport. They stressed that they were not seeking charity, but only their fair share of work. They also pointed out that private bus operators at the Vasco railway station were affecting their business, adding to their financial problems.
The taxi operators demanded that authorities set up a proper and dedicated taxi stand in Vasco to streamline operations and avoid conflict with other transport services. They warned that if no action is taken within 15 days, they would be forced to begin a peaceful but strong agitation.
MLA Salkar assured the delegation that he would raise the issue with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and work towards a fair solution. He said that local residents must be the first beneficiaries of local projects and initiatives. Salkar also cautioned that action would be taken against rent-a-bike and rent-a-car operators who park vehicles illegally or operate in a manner that causes inconvenience to locals.
MMC Chairperson Borker informed that the council has already identified a site in Vasco for a new taxi stand and is working on securing the necessary permissions. He supported the call for fair treatment of local taxi operators in tourism-related activities.
The meeting ended with assurances of follow-up, while the taxi operators remained firm on their 15-day deadline.
