TEAM HERALD
DABOLIM: Faulty planning of the Velsao fish market has left fish vendors squatting by the roadside, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience along the road.
While the roadside fish vendors have attracted many motorists, their presence by the roadside has posed a grave risk and some motorists have complained that the roadside fish vendors are now a hazard in the area.
“There should be a proper and permanent market place for fish vendors as they are creating nuisance at the site,” said a motorist.
When contacted, Velsao-Pale Sarpanch Fatima Pereira said the panchayat hasn’t received any complaint from the locals in this regard.
“The fish vendors have abandoned the market building as it is located slightly off the main road and does not draw many customers,” she said.
When inquired about the idle market building situated right opposite the Velsao-Pale Panchayat building, Pereira said, “The market building was not properly planned and it needs to be renovated as it is not feasible and too small. However, the panchayat doesn’t have enough funds to start any major developmental project as of now.”
Pereira also pointed that the Hindu and Muslim community are also reluctant to buy fish from the market, as it is partly occupied by meat sellers.
Responding to fears that the roadside vendors have posed traffic hazards, Pereira shot back, “It is the duty of police to drive away these vendors from the road.”
“The fish vendors are sitting at their own risk even though the panchayat already has a proper market. The government and the panchayat will not be held responsible if any road accident takes place,” said the sarpanch.
“The panchayat does not have enough funds to start a major project and we are waiting for the government fund of Rs 1 crore which has been promised by the panchayat minister for the renovation of the market and other developmental works,” said the sarpanch.
