MARGAO: The absence of rehabilitation centres and soup kitchens has posed significant challenges for authorities in curbing the proliferation of beggars causing disturbances at traffic junctions and other locations in and around Margao. Consequently, beggars remain a source of concern for locals and commuters.
Speaking to O Heraldo, a senior official expressed helplessness in formulating an action plan to address the beggar menace due to the lack of an effective mechanism.
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“After picking them up, where do we take them?” questioned the officer who did not want to be named.
It is noteworthy that the beggar menace has escalated not only in Margao but also in several other areas, including Verna and Vasco. Beggars and homeless migrants, often with children, are seen soliciting at traffic junctions, exacerbating the existing traffic congestion.
In Margao, numerous gangs have taken shelter on footpaths in the Old Market area and many even operate at the SGPDA retail market complex, persistently soliciting money from shoppers and vendors, especially during the night.
In February, ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Margao, authorities ‘removed’ beggars and migrants from in and around the KTC bus stand. However, within two days, they had returned to their activities without facing any consequences.
“We need a comprehensive action plan to address these beggars, particularly those frequenting major traffic junctions. Simply removing them from the site temporarily is futile; the real challenge is determining where to relocate them,” the officer remarked.
Furthermore, the officer revealed that a meeting was convened a few months ago to discuss the issue, but no progress has been made since then.
“Nevertheless, there are tentative plans to address the problem. We await the conclusion of the Lok Sabha elections to initiate the process, during which a proposal will be presented to the government to establish shelters or rehabilitation centers,” the officer disclosed.
Meanwhile, citizens have expressed frustration over the lack of action against beggars, which continues to inconvenience commuters.
“The government and authorities cannot evade responsibility by citing the absence of provisions. It is the government’s duty to devise a plan to tackle this issue, but that can only happen if authorities take the problem seriously, which is visibly worsening by the day,” remarked Peter D’Souza, a Margao resident.
