Team Herald
MARGAO: In response to concerns raised by local residents, the South Goa District Collector’s office has issued stringent instructions to the Margao Municipal Council and other relevant authorities, emphasising the need to adhere to the High Court’s directives regarding the conduct of religious feast fairs in Margao.
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The Collector’s office has warned that failure to comply could result in legal consequences, including contempt of court.
The Green Goa Foundation (GGF) and residents from Madel-Fatorda had earlier expressed their dissatisfaction with the management of these fairs, citing improper organisation. GGF also filed a petition with the district collector, alleging that the authorities were failing to implement the High Court’s orders. Additionally, concerns were raised over a reported scam involving around 18 lakh rupees at the last feast fair, relating to the collection of sopo funds by the Margao Municipality, which remains unresolved.
In response to the petition, Deputy Collector Vinayak S Chari issued a clear set of instructions. The guidelines include a prohibition on setting up stalls or temporary structures on key roads, such as the main Panjim-Margao road, the southern road leading to Margao city, and the eastern road towards Ponda. The goal is to ensure uninterrupted access for both vehicles and pedestrians, maintaining public safety and traffic flow.
The Collector’s order also highlights several measures to ensure the smooth operation of the fairs, including the provision of temporary electricity and water supply to stalls, regular sanitation checks, waste management protocols, clear demarcation of parking areas, and strict traffic regulation.
Additionally, the deployment of law enforcement, health, and fire safety teams will be required throughout the event’s duration.
The Chief Officer of Margao Municipal Council, the Member Secretary of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority, and SDM I and II have been tasked with implementing these measures.
Every year, the fair witnesses a huge rush of shoppers. Madel residents have in the past urged the MMC to refrain from leasing the parking lot for feast fairs and exhibitions, pointing out that the area is highly commercial with several restaurants and shopping complexes as well as the District Court in the vicinity, leading to a shortage of parking space.
