Team Herald
MARGAO: Even as the number of beggars in Margao and other parts of Salcete continue to rise, with people seeking alms at virtually every traffic signal and place of worship, police stations across South Goa district booked only 57 cases under the Goa Prevention of Begging Act from January to October 10 this year. In Margao, where the problem of beggars posing a safety hazard to motorists is at its worst, the Margao police have only booked four cases.
The Vasco police booked 49 cases, one person was booked by the Fatorda
police and three by the Ponda police, in the past
ten months.
Margao resident Manoj Hede complained that beggars use up pedestrians’ space as they live and sleep on footpaths. He called on the police and the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) to remove beggars from the streets and rehabilitate them. “In Margao and Fatorda, many beggars use infants and toddlers to beg, and target people stopping at traffic signals, petrol pumps and the market areas,” said Hede.
Senior citizen Ulhas Kerker said that beggars are not just a nuisance but also create safety hazards for road users. “The MMC has to seek the assistance of the police, non-governmental organisations and the Social Welfare Department to curb this menace,” he said.
Former councillor Raju Naik said that with the increase in population, the menace of beggars, in places of religious significance, markets, municipal gardens and railway stations is growing. “With the start of the tourist season, there aren’t many beggars operating in Margao, as they move to the coastal belt and beach shacks to target tourists,” said Naik.
