MARGAO: The commercial hub of Margao experienced yet another day of persistent traffic chaos on Thursday, despite the deployment of additional traffic police personnel on loan from Ponda and Canacona. The town’s efforts to control congestion were further hindered by haphazard parking practices, with no measures taken to clamp or tow the vehicles of errant drivers.
Numerous citizens voiced their frustration in interviews with O Heraldo, highlighting the mismanagement of traffic in Margao, especially during the festive and peak tourist season. Joao Rodrigues, a visitor to Margao, expressed concern about the lack of parking space, emphasising the need for authorities to devise plans to prevent inconvenience to the people. “There is no space even to park a two-wheeler in some parts of the town,” he complained.
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Sunita Naik, another visitor, pointed out that roadside vendors selling goods were contributing to the traffic congestion. Her observation sheds light on how informal roadside commerce may be contributing to challenges faced by commuters and local authorities alike.
“The Margao Municipal Council should have initiated action against these street vendors for blocking the roads and smooth flow of traffic,” she said.
In response to these issues, sources said that the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) conducted a special drive on Wednesday during the late evening hours against vendors selling goods on the roadside.
Sources revealed that several migrant vendors who were found obstructing traffic were taken to task, and the authorities seized goods worth thousands of rupees.
Vinod Shirodkar, President of the New Market Traders Association, highlighted concerns about pickpockets operating in the area. The association has requested increased police patrolling to address security issues within the market.
