MARGAO: Alleging non-compliance with court orders regarding the Margao feast fair, a group of citizens has threatened to file a contempt petition against the concerned authorities. At the fair venue, former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho, noted columnist Jose Maria Miranda, and Madel resident Iftiyaz Sayed criticised the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) for permitting stalls in violation of an October 30, 2015 High Court order.
“The Hon’ble High Court’s order for public convenience laid down several conditions, which the Council has ignored in favour of revenue collection, including their unofficial collections,” stated Coutinho. He alleged that a politically connected ‘benami’ Sopo Contractor is the primary beneficiary of the fair. Coutinho demanded transparency, urging the MMC Chief Officer and Chairperson to disclose the payments made to the Sopo Contractor by the Council.
Jose Maria Miranda criticised the Chief Officer and Chairperson for disregarding public sentiments and court directions. “The traditional ‘Purumentache Fest,’ initially focused on stalls selling home provisions for the monsoon season, has been sidelined. Traditional stalls offering dry fish, local sweets, and other local eatables have been marginalised in favour of stalls selling non-traditional items like ready-made and second-hand garments,” he lamented.
Local resident Iftiyaz Sayed highlighted the hardships faced by Madel residents during the fair period.
In response, Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson of the MMC, refuted these allegations, asserting that the civic body has taken all necessary precautions to prevent hardships for locals. “For the past two years, the civic body has been systematically organising the feast fair. We have already instructed and planned to avoid any mess at the venue,” Shirodkar said.
