Stop sale at Ravindra Bhavan, appeal Margao market vendors

Team Herald

MARGAO: The exhibition cum sales in Margao and surrounding areas has become a huge problem not only for the market vendors but also for traffic and garbage. In order to find a solution the market vendors met the Deputy Collector and appealed to stop permitting sale at Ravindra Bhavan immediately. The Dy Collector, who holds the charge of Ravindra Bhavan, has promised to fulfill their demand. 

New Market Vendors Committee members Vinod Shirodkar, Hitesh Lotiliker, Gopal Naik and others were present at the meeting. In discussion with the delegation the Dy Collector Ajit Panchwadkar said, "Authorities should be sensitive as Margao is a small place and if a large chunk of business is taken by sales then it will be bad. Unique regional exhibitors can be allowed as it does not eat into the Goan market.” 

"It will be unfair to say that only the exhibition cum sale is a problem to market business. The encroachment on footpaths and other areas is also a major issue and there needs to be clear cut solution," said Ajit Panchwadkar. "Ravindra Bhavan is a venue for cultural events and we will avoid sales of things which are normally sold at Margao market," Ajit promised. Ajit also said that the MMC has to take action on these encroachments. 

"The MMC cleared the encroachment and now in a month they are back. Their drive has been ineffective," said Hitesh Lotliker.

"Rs 1.5 crore are earned by the organisers who pay only Rs 2 lakh to authorities and are making a parallel market at SGPDA and other venues of consumer durables," complained Vinod Shirodker. "These sales hosted by non Goans is an attack on Goans and their businesses," pointed Vinod.