Concerns are mounting among Ponda residents as nearly 70 vendors continue to operate from the first floor of the old fish market building, which has been declared structurally unsafe by the Public Works Department (PWD), Goa Engineering College (GEC), and the Municipal Engineer.
While approximately 100 fish vendors from the ground floor were relocated to the basement of the new market complex last month, the first-floor vendors—mainly selling clothes and groceries—remain in place. On June 6, the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) issued eviction notices to them, directing a move within 72 hours to an alternative site earmarked by the authorities.
Despite the order, vendors raised concerns over a potential loss of business and appealed to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant for support. After a series of discussions, they agreed to shift to the first floor of the new market complex. However, they requested a grace period, saying they would relocate only after the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
With the festival still weeks away, many citizens are now questioning the prolonged delay and urging immediate action, given the safety risks involved.