In a shocking development, illegal ven dors who were recently evicted by the Margao Mu nicipal Council (MMC) for conducting unauthorised business activities on pub lic footpaths have restarted their operations within just a few days of the action. These vendors, who sell clothes, and other items, have spread out their goods on the pavements, leaving little space for pedestrians to walk. It is pertinent to note that the MMC had acted only a few days ago following repeated complaints from traders of New Market and Gandhi Market, who had expressed frustration over the unregulated street vending. The legitimate traders claimed that the illegal ven dors were blocking entry to their shops, creating con gestion, and affecting their daily business. Acting on these complaints, the mu nicipal officials had cleared several encroachments and issued strict warnings to the violators. However, within a short span, the same vendors have returned to their ear lier locations, this time operating even during day time hours without fear of consequences. Citizens and market traders have expressed strong resent ment, questioning the sus tainability and seriousness of the MMC’s enforcement measures. Another shopkeeper from the Gandhi Market added, “These drives seem to be temporary. There is no follow-up or consistent monitoring. After every action, it’s just a matter of days before the same chaos returns.” Many believe that such unchecked encroachments contribute to traffic con gestion and make the area unsafe for pedestrians. Residents have now urged the MMC to imple ment a permanent mech anism to regulate street vending and prevent re peated encroachments. They suggested that the council should introduce designated vending zones and ensure continuous monitoring by enforcement teams to keep public spaces clear
Evicted Street Vendors Return to Margao Footpaths Days After MMC Crackdown
