Mapusa Merchant Association on Monday issued a resolute ultimatum to the Mapusa Municipal Council, demanding the immediate reopening of the parking gates and insisting that they remain open until the festive season of Diwali. The closure of these gates has sparked frustration among vendors and shoppers, who rely on the market’s parking facilities.
More than 100 merchants of Mapusa Market gheraoed MMC Chairperson and expressed their concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the prolonged closure of the parking gates. The gates were abruptly locked, without taking any merchant in confidence.
The merchants have given the municipal council a deadline, urging them to reopen the parking gates and ensure they remain accessible until Diwali, which is just a week away. If this demand is not met, the vendors have warned to shut market, raising concerns of potential disruptions in the lead-up to the festival.
Siddhesh Gawas, Secretary of the Mapusa Merchants Association, stressed the significance of the issue, stating, “The sudden closure of the parking facility has not only affected our businesses but has also inconvenienced the shoppers who visit our market, especially with the festive season approaching. We insist that the gates are reopened and maintained until Diwali. If our demands are not met, we will close down our shops.”
