PANJIM: The Panjim feast delight brought about by the temporary food, clothes and other stalls around the Church Square were absent this year as the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) denied permission to erect stalls citing cleanliness cum hygiene, traffic congestion and the Smart City concept.
This year only the traditional stalls, which include chonekar (grams) and khajekar (sweetmeats) have been granted permissions by the civic body.
The temporary stalls spread along 18 June Road right up to the Church Square for the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception are awaited by people who purchase items varying from clothes, utensils, decorative items, toys. However, residents and local shopkeepers have often been up in arms against these temporary stalls, as their presence leads to unhygienic conditions in the area.
Speaking to Herald, CCP Commissioner Deepak Dessai said the corporation decided not to grant permission to these temporary stalls as cleanliness becomes a major issue during the period. “We are promoting Panjim as a Smart City and want to implement Swacch Bharat Abhiyan. These stalls, majority of which are put by non Goans, create nuisance. Unhygienic conditions, garbage, prevails,” he said.
Dessai said CCP finds it difficult to clean the mess and the area starts stinking after some days creating unhealthy living conditions. “The decision not to grant permission was
also approved by Mayor Surendra Furtado. We have allowed traditional stalls to be set up. The decision has helped ease traffic flow,” he added.
On Wednesday and Thursday, nearly 300 stall owners were seen outside the CCP office demanding that permissions for the stalls be granted.
The annual feast on December 8, celebrate the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary, brings thousands of people, irrespective of religion to the Church and the stalls.
