Team Herald
CALANGUTE: The sarpanch of Calangute, Joseph Sequeira, has reassured local vendors that the existing fish and vegetable market will remain intact, following strong opposition from villagers against a proposed new market complex at Bhodkovodd.
The Calangute panchayat has partnered with Tata Trent to develop a new market and bus-stand complex at an estimated cost of Rs 350 crore, covering 35,000 square metres along the Calangute-Mapusa road.
During a gram sabha meeting, numerous fisherwomen and vegetable vendors expressed their discontent over the proposal. They voiced concerns that a new market would threaten their livelihoods and alter the unique character of their village.
“A new market would attract corporates, undermining our small businesses and jeopardising the future of our community,” they stated in a letter read by Sequeira.
The sarpanch reiterated that the traditional market would not be relocated, prompting villagers to question the necessity of the new complex if the existing market remains in place.
Sequeira urged residents to consider the potential benefits of the project, citing Tata’s historical role in developing the Calangute-Candolim beach area. He noted that the establishment of the Taj Fort Aguada resort in the mid-1970s was pivotal in boosting local tourism. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the late Ratan Tata, with Sequeira announcing that Tata Trent is prepared to present detailed plans for the complex, designed by renowned architect Hafeez Contractor.
He emphasised that the project, initially proposed in 2004, would be scrapped if the community is opposedto it.
Some villagers supported the initiative, arguing that a new market and bus stand could alleviate traffic congestion around the existing market and nearby roads.
However, activists, including Calangute Constituency Forum president PremanandDivkar, have filed a petition against the outline development plan, which is currently awaiting a final ruling in the High Court.