SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to citizen complaints and under the directives of the District Magistrate, South, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) has taken action against an individual for illegally erecting a stall and encroaching on a road in Comba.
MMC Chief Officer Gaurish Sankhwalkar has issued a show cause notice to the owner of the encroaching stall, directing them to respond within seven days regarding why it should not be removed.
The complaint prompting this action was filed by Ketan Kurtarkar, a former councillor of the civic body, who brought to the attention of the MMC and other authorities the presence of an unauthorised structure near the railway crossing in Comba.
Kurtarkar's complaint highlighted the occupation of narrow roadside spaces by vendors and gaddas without proper permissions, leading to traffic congestion, accidents, and the proliferation of unofficial markets, which also pose health hazards.
Following an inspection by municipal officials, it was determined that the 'structure' in question was being used for selling tender coconuts, with a wooden plank and plastic covering. Its proximity to the road was found to cause traffic congestion and inconvenience to pedestrians.
The MMC's investigation revealed that the stall was erected illegally, without obtaining the necessary trade licence or permission from the council.
The owner of the kiosk has been given a seven-day period to respond to the show cause notice. Failure to comply may result in further action being taken by the council to address the issue of illegal road encroachment.
