Cracking down on shopkeepers encroaching on walkways, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) on Monday reportedly confiscated the plastic sheets which were sold illegally along the pathways in front of the shops. It is learnt that a few shopkeepers had allowed the illegal sale of plastic sheets on the walkways in front of their shops and collected money on a monthly basis from those selling these sheets and other plastic items. It is pertinent to note that just before the onset of monsoon vendors selling plastic sheets illegally occupy the pavement in other cities as well. Plastic sheets are in great demand before the monsoon season as people protect their homes from the rains by using these sheets. The illegal sale of these sheets on the pavement causes hardship to the pedestrians who are forced to walk on the road which can prove dangerous. Many shopkeepers who deal in plastic goods also display these plastic sheets by encroaching on the pathways. Like the Margao Municipal Council, the other civic bodies also need to act tough against the illegal sale of plastic sheets on the pavements by confiscating the goods.
