MAPUSA: Siolim Marna gram sabha on Sunday resolved to rehabilitate two kiosks near theatre junction even as kiosk owners sought eight days to take a final decision on the subject.
Initially, Sarpanch Monali Pernekar explained to the villagers that the special meeting is called to take a final decision on rehabilitation of the three kiosks near St Anthony Church junction, which were demolished six months ago, following a complaint from PWD that these three kiosks were obstructing traffic.
During the gram sabha, the villagers suggested several locations where the kiosk can be relocated. The first suggestion was to rehabilitate the kiosks at the Tar market. However, some locals objected to the suggestion saying the Tar market area is already congested.
The second suggestion was to relocate them under the Siolim Bridge; but this, too, was objected to as it would lead to traffic congestion in future.
The affected kiosk owners demanded that they be relocated near Public Health Centre. Responding to which, the ward member informed that he has already spoken to ward residents and residents objected to relocate any kiosk there.
Panchayat further informed the shop owners that they would be given handcarts and not permanent structures. However, the affected kiosk owners refused to accept the offer and demanded a permanent structure with electric connection.
However, the panchayat said it would not give NOC for electric connection as it set a wrong precedent.
The affected owners further said that they had electric connection for their demolished kiosks and they used to even pay sopo to the panchayat for running the kiosks.
They alleged that the panchayat demolished their kiosks even before rehabilitating them.
Responding to which Sarpanch Pernekar said that the shop owners were called for discussion, however, nobody turned out as such the panchayat had to take action as per court order.
However, the kiosk owners pointed out that they are deprived of their only source of income since last six months; have electricity bill for six months. They claimed that the demolished kiosks were more than 40-50 years old.
They said that they want to get relocated in a area where they would get business. Shifting to any isolated area will not be accepted.
After a long discussion and argument, it was suggested to relocate two kiosks near theatre junction if the owners agreed.
Responding to the decision taken by panch members, the two kiosk owners told the panchayat that they needed eight days to take a decision whether they want to get relocated at the suggested location.
Meanwhile, Panchayat also passed resolution to issue notice to all the outsiders doing business in Siolim to remove their carts and also resolved to clear encroachments on all footpaths within four days.
