Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is taking stringent measures to ensure compliance with a 2015 High Court ruling while preparing for the annual fair during the Holy Spirit Church feast on December 9.
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MMC Chairperson Damodar Shirodkar convened a meeting with Chief Officer Melvin Vaz and administrative heads to finalise arrangements, following direct instructions from Deputy Collector Vinayak Chari regarding strict adherence to court-mandated regulations. “We have assigned responsibilities to officials to ensure strict compliance,” Shirodkar stated. “Special focus will be placed on parking facilities, sanitation, and preventing fraudulent revenue practices. An officer will be specifically designated to oversee revenue collection, and any negligence will face serious consequences.”
The meeting was a detailed strategic session aimed at addressing potential logistical and administrative challenges that might arise during the upcoming feast fair.
The preparations stem from a 2015 writ petition filed by the Green Goa Foundation, which resulted in a HC judgment establishing specific guidelines designed to minimise disruption to public order, traffic flow, and pedestrian movement during religious fairs and community events in Margao.
The HC directives prohibit stalls on critical roadways including the Panjim-Margao road and roads leading to Old Market Circle. The guidelines mandate implementing comprehensive safety and sanitation measures, which include providing temporary electricity and water supply for stalls, conducting regular sanitation checks, managing waste effectively, establishing clear parking zones, and deploying law enforcement, health, and fire safety teams during the fair.
Shirodkar mentioned that a follow-up meeting to review preparations will be scheduled later this week.
