Tension gripped Gandhi Market in Margao on Monday after municipal officials, accompanied by workers of a SOPO contractor and police personnel, attempted to initiate a market survey.
According to sources, the survey team arrived under police protection to conduct a preliminary assessment. However, the move triggered strong opposition from traders and members of the Gandhi Market Association, leading to a heated confrontation at the site.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Association president Babu Ajgavnkar objected to the survey, stating that no activity would be permitted without prior consultation with traders. He clarified that while the association is not against the survey process, they are unwilling to bear any additional financial burden beyond what has already been finalized in the tender.
As tensions escalated, a large number of traders gathered at the market, raising slogans and preventing the survey team from proceeding. Police personnel deployed at the location managed to keep the situation under control and prevented any escalation into violence.
Municipal officials maintained that the survey was a routine exercise connected to proposed development or maintenance works. Meanwhile, efforts are underway to initiate dialogue between authorities and the traders’ association to resolve the issue.
The survey has currently been put on hold, with further action expected to depend on the outcome of discussions between both sides.
