MARGAO: The Green Goa Foundation (GGF) has expressed deep concern over the Margao Municipal Council’s (MMC) failure to address violations observed during the recently conducted feast fair. Raison Almeida, Chairman of GGF, has warned of filing a petition before the High Court if the MMC does not take appropriate action against the violators.
Almeida highlighted that the MMC’s deliberate inaction is alarming, especially considering the guidelines set forth in clause 5(5) of the High Court order and judgment in writ petition number 801/2010. According to the court’s instructions, the duration of the stalls in the fair should be limited to seven days, and by the midnight of the eighth day, all stalls should be removed. Failure to adhere to this timeline empowers the Chief Officer, with the assistance of the municipal team and the police, to take action as per the Municipal Act in force.
GGF had submitted a written complaint to the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council on December 15, addressing the overstaying of stalls in the fair. The complaint aimed to bring attention to the violations and prompt immediate action. Almeida emphasised that the complaint was directed specifically to the Chief Officer, a government authority entrusted with enforcing the directives and observations of the High Court regarding the conduct of fairs. “However, the Chief Officer of the MMC failed to act upon the complaint of the GGF as the MMC is strongly supporting the vendors of the stalls for personal gain and benefit, which is best known to the officials,” said GGF.
