Team Herald
MARGAO: The Margao New Market Traders Association, led by
President Gopal Naik, has expressed strong
dissatisfaction over ongoing renovations and illegal sale of market shops without proper permissions.
A delegation of traders led by Naik met with the Chief Officer of the Margao Municipal Council to urge immediate action against those who are carrying out unauthorised modifications to their shops.
They also alleged that many individuals are illegally selling the shops to second and third parties without the civic body’s knowledge.
It is important to note that the issue of illegal renovations and renting of municipality-owned shops in the New Market has been a topic of discussion for many years, yet the civic body has yet to take effective action to resolve it.
The lack of a concrete action plan from the civic body has led many to sell their shops and carry out renovation work without obtaining the necessary permissions from the Municipality.
Speaking to reporters, Naik stated that he has personally observed the renovations taking place in shops within the New Market that are owned by the civic body.
“I brought this issue to the attention of the civic body officials with evidence, but to date, no action has been taken. I’ve also observed that those involved in these illegal activities are verbally abusing anyone who questions them, including members of the trader’s association,” he alleged.
He also suspects that there are illegal transfers and sales of municipal shops, which are strictly prohibited.
However, sources from the civic body said that a show cause notice has already been issued to the concerned parties, requesting clarification on the matter of shop sale or repairs. If they fail to respond, further action will be taken.