MARGAO: The persistence of illegal business activities on footpaths and open areas continues to disrupt daily life in the commercial hub of Margao, prompting citizens and law-abiding business owners to demand immediate action from the Margao Municipal Council.
Concerns have been raised over the flagrant illegal business operations, which persist just meters away from the Municipal building, particularly noticeable during evening hours.
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Moreover, a stretch of old station road is overrun with illegal business activities by migrants, drawing ire from legal vendors who accuse the civic body of turning a blind eye.
Mahesh Borkar, a regular visitor to Margao, expressed astonishment at the lack of action against migrants engaged in illegal business activities. He criticized what he perceived as selective enforcement, noting that while Goans face repercussions for illegal activities, migrants seem to get off scot-free. He added that uniformed MMC supervisors are often seen in the market area during the day, but they only keep a watch on the illegal businesses, and take no action.
Vinod Shirodkar, a local trader, lambasted the Margao Municipality for its failure to address the illegal activities, which severely impact law-abiding businesses. Despite repeated complaints and even direct appeals to municipal authorities, no tangible action has been taken, he lamented.
Shirodkar emphasised the detrimental effect of illegal vendors on legitimate businesses, warning that unless decisive action is taken, legal traders may be forced to cease operations altogether.
Efforts by concerned traders to engage with the municipal leadership have proved futile, with promises of action yielding no tangible results.
“It has become increasingly challenging to conduct business legally in the market as illegal migrants encroach upon footpaths and roadsides. The unchecked proliferation of illegal traders threatens the livelihoods of legal businesses,” Shirodkar remarked.
