TEAM HERALD
VASCO: Chaos prevailed at the Mormugao Municipal Council barely two days ahead of the famous Vasco Saptah, when about 50 readymade garments stall owners barged into the council hall and confronted the Mormugao Municipal Council chairperson, chief officer and other councillors over the allotment of stalls for the Saptah fair.
The stall owners complained that they were being shunted out of the space traditionally used by them to erect their stalls.
During a heated discussion with stall owners, who demanded their original space, MMC Vice Chairperson Shekar Khadapkar accused Councillor Tara Kerkar of instigating the stall owners to agitate against the new allotment of space.
“It is unfortunate that councillors are instigating the stall owners, especially when the 20 councillors had unanimously agreed to streamline the allocation of stalls. For the first time, our Chief Officer Y B Tavde has taken a good decision to streamline the stalls to avoid any hardship faced by residents of Vasco,” said Khadapkar.
Tavde claimed that changes were done after taking the council into confidence. “But it is surprising that some councillors, who were the party to the decision, have instigated the stall owners. We have already implemented the new plan and stall owners have already paid the necessary fees. We cannot make any changes at the last moment,” said Tavde.
When asked to elaborate on measures initiated to maintain law and order during the Saptah, Tavde replied, “I have already informed the police about the situation and we have directed them to deploy more police from Saturday for the next seven days of the Saptah.”
However, Councillor Tara Kerkar refuted allegations that she had instigated stall owners. “I had approached the chief officer only when the stall owners sought my help in the matter,” said Kerkar.
It may be recalled that a group of residents have filed a PIL in the high court, complaining of various hardships faced by them due to the Vasco Saptah. The court has directed the MMC chief officer to file an affidavit on steps taken by the council to curtail the hardships of the residents.
