FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024
MARCOS GONSALVES
MARGAO: A recent controversy with regard to illegal gadda (kiosks) installed and later removed by close relatives of Tourism Minister Manohar alias Babu Ajgaonkar has resulted in a major political clash between the political leaders of Margao and Fatorda. And hence, now the question being asked by the citizens, will this political clash be able to get rid of all the illegal businesses, including illegal gaddas, and encroachments done with the political blessings?
Upon the action initiated by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) against the illegal gaddas installed, and later removed from the KTC bus stand, a war of allegation erupted between Ajgaonkar and the MMC chairperson Lyndon Pereira where the Minister challenged the civic body to initiate actions against all the illegal gaddas and other illegal activities in the jurisdiction of MMC. The civic body started the survey of illegal gaddas from Monday onwards.
However, a Herald investigation revealed that this is one of the signs of a cold war between Ajgaonkar and Fatorda MLA and ruling council. But the question remains: will this war between political leaders be able to get rid of illegalities in Fatorda and Margao?
Speaking to Herald, Minister Ajgaonkar clarified that he is not supporting any illegalities but let the ruling council of MMC show the guts to initiate action against all the illegal gaddas installed in Fatorda.
He also challenged the civic body to conduct an inquiry with regard to the illegal activities carried out by the MLA of Fatorda through converting agricultural land.
"As per the High Court not a single gadda can be installed on the roadside of National Highway. Then, how come more illegal gaddas are installed near the KTC bus stand?" said Ajgaonkar.
He also alleged that there are many more illegal gaddas in the jurisdiction of the civic body in Fatorda and Margao but no action has been initiated till date.
"Let the MMC take action against all the illegal gaddas and other illegal activities. I will support fully," said Ajgaonkar.
The Tourism Minister has also written a letter to the MMC asking to conduct an inquiry with regard to the illegal gaddas and to submit the report.
On the other hand according to the former chairperson of MMC Savio Coutinho, placement or allotment of any gadda along the road/road widening area or footpath mandatorily requires the consent of the High Court in view of the court order of 1997.
"Only once the Hon'ble High Court takes suo moto cognizance or in the event a contempt petition is filed, the illegalities will come to fore," said Coutinho.
He further said that to be very specific to the area near KTC Bus stand, the Council is already in violation of the court order and surely attracts contempt.
Many in the council may not be aware, while senior officials may feign ignorance to the fact that only 5 to 7 gaddas were issued permission through the High Court, for placement in front of the KTC canteen under the temporary rehabilitation scheme. But gradually the number has increased to twice the number permitted.
"It is only the powerful and influential gadda owners who get prime locations for placement of their gaddas, others are still left without any place. Many of the gadda owners who were displaced due to the High court order have even expired in their wait for the permanent rehabilitation," Savio lamented.
He said as far as the markets are concerned, in both the markets one will find large scale encroachment and extension. "At least on two occasions in the last few years, surveys have been conducted by the Municipal inspectors, but the reports have been confined to the MMC files for obvious reasons," Coutinho.
Coutinho further said that considering the plan submitted to the High Court as a base; all the subsequent encroachments can easily be identified.
When contacted, Agnelo Fernandes, Chief Officer of MMC said that he has already issued an order to the municipal inspectors to conduct a survey starting from KTC bus stand in order to identify the illegal gaddas.
"I have myself taken an initiative to conduct a survey of the entire stretch of KTC bus stand,” said Fernandes.
He also said that as a Chief Officer he is not concerned with any one market but will take action against all if found illegal. "There are directions from the High Court not to allow illegal gaddas and encroachments, and I am acting under the court orders. Actually we have all the data. We have filed reports in the High Court before but now additional illegalities will be looked upon for further action," he informed.
While the chairperson said that the council is very much serious about the issue and would initiate action against such illegal activities along with encroachments.
Lyndon is on the record that Tourism Minister Babu is supporting the illegal activities in Gandhi market, and the minister wants to have another illegal Gandhi market at KTC bus stand.
However, according to the opinion of the expert from the political arena the issue is only concerned with the cold political war between the political leaders of Fatorda and Margao.
