Mapusa city, which was once the pride of Bardez, is in a mess today. Famed for its well organised market, the legacy of the erstwhile colonial rulers, today this very same model market is in a complete disaster.
The areas around the market, which form the central business district of Mapusa, are in a shambles. The pavements are encroached by the traders and shopkeepers. Pedestrians have no room to walk as there are obstructions everywhere. Shopkeepers have spread their wares on pavements, banks and other concerns have put chains on the pavements to prevent pedestrians from walking and businesses are being run on pavements. Being disgusted by this, I decided to file an RTI regarding the encroachments of pavements.
It turns out that the Chief Officer of Mapusa Municipal Council is aware of the encroachments of the pavements and is also aware of the judgment of the Bombay High Court in writ petition no. 148/97 dated 04/06/1997.
He is also aware that there can be no alienation of pavement space under sections 174 and 181 of the Goa Municipalities Act and that if there is alienation, it can only be with his permission — which implies that he is complicit in the encroachments.
The PIO states that the Chief Officer is waiting for instructions from higher authority to take action and have a clean-up drive. This is a most ridiculous answer. The Chief Officer has all the powers needed to act in this matter but he wants instructions from ‘higher authority’.
While the Chief Officer plays these games, the city is getting more crowded with pedestrians forced to walk on roads and running the risk of accidents. This at a time when the Government is seriously concerned about road accidents. I am enclosing copies of my RTI letter and the reply sent in by the Mapusa Municipal Council.
