MAPUSA
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday assured the Goa Legislative Assembly that roadside flower vendors will no longer be allowed to operate, following concerns over the impact on traditional Goan flower sellers.
Sawant said police will be directed to seize flower carts and goods being sold illegally on footpaths and roads. “I will instruct the police to seize all flowers belonging to wholesale sellers operating on the roads,” the Chief Minister said, while responding to a Zero Hour mention raised by St Andre MLA Viresh Borkar.
Borkar highlighted the plight of local flower vendors, especially those at the Mapusa Municipal Market, many of whom have been engaged in the trade for over three decades. He said that the presence of outstation wholesale sellers operating illegally from roadside locations and even within the market premises has severely affected traditional Goan vendors.
“For the past 35 to 40 years, many Goan families have been earning their livelihood through flower retail at the Mapusa market. Their contribution goes beyond business “ it is rooted in our cultural and religious traditions,” Borkar told the House.
He pointed out that in recent years, several non-Goan individuals have entered the market, engaging in unauthorised wholesale flower trade within a space designated for retail sellers. This, he said, has led to unfair competition, a steep drop in earnings for local vendors and in some cases, the displacement of traditional Goan families from their rightful market space.
Calling it a matter of both economic and cultural concern, Borkar urged the government to protect the interests of local vendors. In response, Sawant assured strict enforcement against illegal flower vending and reiterated that no one will be permitted to sell flowers on roadsides going forward.
