Team Herald
MAPUSA: The Mapusa Youth along with few NGOs have raised strong concern over the illegal encroachment of footpaths and public places in Mapusa Municipal Market and the surrounding area.
It may be recalled that the Youth had complaint to the Chairperson and Chief Officer of Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), Mapusa Police Station and Traffic Cell on October 7. At the same time, they had asked the concerned authorities to initiate immediate action in the matter but now three weeks have passed and nothing has been done.
Group leader of Mapusa Youth Gauresh Keni pointed out that there is a need for the MMC to adopt corrective measures to bring about discipline in the layout of the market.
“These encroachments along the footpath are a source of annoyance for the public at large. Besides footpaths, encroachment on roads and other public spaces by migrants has been witnessed in Mapusa jurisdiction. Most of the footpaths and parking areas are blocked and encroached by hawkers, who are mostly migrants, carrying out business illegally,” said Gauresh.
While another local and member of the group Pravin Asolkar pointed out that the vendors have encroached upon the footpaths at Mapusa and there is a need for action in the matter.
“Forget the footpaths, these vendors are sitting and selling their items in the parking areas also fearlessly. They do not even leave the area marked for the motorcycle stand. The MMC should act in this matter at the earliest as it is causing a lot of inconvenience to those visiting the market,” said Asolkar.
Earlier this month, the Revolutionary Goans had also written to the Mapusa Police demanding action against migrants and other carrying out businesses in public places.
