Margao, considered as the commercial capital of Goa was also known, at one time, as its cultural and intellectual capital. A galaxy of illustrious people adorned the portals of what was then the Camara Municipal de Salcete. They were not elected representatives of the people but were persons of high intellect, unflinching, character and impeccable integrity, who used their talents and energies in the interests of the people and for the development of the city and the area under their jurisdiction.
Margao was not alone the cradle of eminent people but of individuals, who had the courage of their convictions and the tenacity to pursue them to their logical end, earning sometimes the wrath of the Portuguese rulers. Yet, they were respected for their high degree of competence and uprightness. Sadly today, Margao is bereft of such people. One look at the city and it will tell us of the neglect and failure of past Municipal Councils in maintaining even a semblance of order, discipline and aesthetics in the city, more due to lack of will than even interest in enforcing the law against irregularities and illegalities.
The city may have suffered due to non-collection of house taxes and other revenue and starvation of funds, needed for development, both by present and past Governments, but nothing prevented Councils from acting against illegalities like encroachments, occupation of footpaths and open spaces, conversion of parking areas and setbacks in buildings, mushrooming of gaddas and their illegal movement in the city, etc. However, if we can rightly accuse Councils, Chairpersons and Chief Officers of inaction and even connivance in these lapses, let us apportion part of the blame to us, citizens, who have failed to come together to compel the MMC to enforce the law.
The new Council has raised some hopes in Madganvkars, with most new faces and some qualified people led by Dr Babita Prabhudesai. Higher the qualifications and abilities, greater the hopes and expectations of delivery. Dr Babita has the capacity to perform if only she has the will and the courage to act, which most leaders lack. Cooperation and support from the people will never be found wanting. Tough decisions will be needed even if brickbats are thrown by a section for action taken in the interests and good of the general public. The law needs to be enforced, no matter who it hurts. The welfare of the citizens cannot be sacrificed to serve the interests of few.
As a welcoming gift, Dr Babita has the High Court order on a PIL by Green Goa Foundation prohibiting fairs on the occasions of Holy Spirit and Immaculate Conception Feasts on NH 17 and the road in front of Sessions Court. This long standing demand of the citizens to shift the fair to SGPDA grounds was always turned down by MMC out of sheer greed for the income it collected from the fair. This was more important for them than the general welfare and safety of the public and particularly of the motorists. GGF needs to be commended for its tenacity in pursuing the issue for years.
If the garbage plant tops the priority list of MMC, issues like traffic and parking also merit urgent attention. All these can be taken up simultaneously to leave an indelible impression of its work in the minds of the citizens, in the first year itself. Firstly, the MMC must take full control of and be seen as the real administrator of the city. It must shed its apathy on some issues like traffic and parking as was often observed at traffic discussions with the Collectors in the past.
It could start with traffic sign boards, conforming to international specifications, direction and road name boards, on the lines affixed in Panjim, free of cost, in exchange for exemption in advertisement tax. More important still are traffic lights particularly at Colva junction and New Market for which an agency from Hyderabad had come forward, years back, to set up free. Business Houses, builders and developers must be approached to construct footpaths, railings, dividers, etc. This could be part of their corporate social responsibility. No concessions, however, should be granted in any form, except displaying their names prominently as sponsors.
The prime concern of MMC should be putting the city in order by removing encroachments, footpath occupation, illegal movement of carts, clearance of debris, tarring of spaces and road extensions, upto the footpaths, to allow more disciplined and space for parking, etc. Having safety of pedestrians in mind, it must ensure new footpaths, wherever possible. It must contact landlords, on priority, to hand over open spaces, some of which are already encroached upon or suffered neglect. Market Inspectors must be allotted areas of jurisdiction and made accountable for inaction and/or illegalities. So also engineers for any illegalities in constructions, setbacks or parking lots. A serious thought needs to be given to Pay Parking, which may be opposed but is a necessary evil.
The list of tasks before the MMC could be unending. But if it proves its sincerity and hard work and is seen as acting in the interests of the general public, without fear or favour, it is bound to receive more than accolades, the gratitude of the people of Margao and surroundings, who have suffered enough and now pin hopes on the new Council and particularly on its Chairperson.
(The author is a retired banker)
