Herald: The Gandhi Market has come under the scanner of the new Margao Municipal Chief Officer.
Manohar Azgaonkar: It has now become a fashion to target the Gandhi Market when a new Chief Officer takes over the charge of the civic body. But, I would like to say that all vendors in the market operate with permissions from the municipality. I challenge the Chief Officer to point out a single illegal structure in the Gandhi Market and we will get it demolished.
Herald: You had directed your ire at the New Chief Officer at the Gandhi Market Association anniversary function.
MA: The new Chief Officer one day came to the Gandhi Market and claimed that a portion is illegal. But, I showed him the permissions from the municipality, besides the court order and told him that all activities are carried out with permission of the civic body. But, I have found the new Chief Officer functioning like a Salazar. These outsiders just come here and say that this is illegal and that is illegal.
Herald: You have been vehement in your demand for action against the new gaddas that have come up in the town. Why?
MA: The Margao municipality was instrumental in removing most of the Portuguese era gaddas from the town’s roadsides and set back areas in 1999. But, new gaddas sanctioned under the Deen Dayal scheme and Horticulture Corporation has now made their presence felt in every nook and corner of the town. I don’t know why the Margao Municipality is silent on these gaddas, especially the kiosks of the Horticulture Corporation, but is only targeting the municipal markets under the guise of encroachments.
