Team Herald
PANJIM: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has decided to throw open the municipal market for public in phased manner, with shops to be allowed opened on alternate days.
On Tuesday, the Corporation granted permissions to around 50 shops, which will be shut on Wednesday, allowing another 50 shops to resume service.
Speaking to Herald, City Mayor Uday Madkaikar said that in order to ensure that there is no overcrowding in the market, it is important that the shops are opened in phase manner and on alternate days.
“Market area is huge; once we open the entire market, it would be very difficult for us to control public. At this point we cannot take chance. We have to take all the precautions. Social distancing is must,” he said.
In view of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the market was shut from March 22. The CCP has already sanitised the market complex, as well as held the cleanliness drive.
Madkaikar said that no vendors or stalls that sell tobacco or smokeless tobacco products would be allowed in the market.
As such, the Corporation raided two shops selling tobacco and smokeless tobacco products within its jurisdiction. The tobacco products have been seized and a fine of Rs 1000 each has been imposed on the violators.
Madkaikar demanded that government should increase the fine from Rs 1000 to Rs 3000 to 4000, considering the COVID-19 seriousness. “Rs 1000 fine is peanuts for these people. They don’t mind paying Rs 1000 fine,” he said.
