MARGAO : The long-standing issue of kiosks operating within the jurisdiction of Margao Municipal Council is once again in the spotlight. The council has not issued licenses to any gaddas or kiosks since a 1997 High Court order, although the rehabilitation project remains incomplete. Concerned citizens have criticised political leaders and the civic body for the impasse.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat recently stated that most of the kiosks in Margao are operating illegally, with only a few exceptions. Stating that these gaddas have helped impoverished people to earn a living for many years now, Kamat mentioned that a plan is in progress to establish designated vendor zones in various locations in Margao. The intention behind this initiative is to provide a legal and regulated space for these gaddas to operate. By creating 2-3 vendor zones, the aim is to accumulate these existing kiosks within legal framework.
Responding to the situation, former Chairperson Savio Coutinho voiced concerns about potential consequences if the High Court views the violations of the 1997 order seriously and holds the council in contempt. Even kiosks that do not significantly disrupt the public could face demolition if the court intervenes, Coutinho pointed out. He slammed MMC for failing to complete the rehabilitation project and accused the BJP MLA of trying to rehabilitate illegal kiosks in notified vending zones.
Prashant Naik, President of the Margao Gadda Traders Association, disputed Kamat’s claim and asserted that the majority of gaddas in the council’s jurisdiction are legal. According to Naik, only about 7-10 per cent of kiosks are illegal. He argued that gaddas selling items like ros omelette and bhaji-pao are mostly legal, with only a few exceptions.
MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said that the civic body has recently begun identifying kiosks operating within its jurisdiction. “While identification of gaddas in the nine council wards has already been completed, notices are being prepared for all vendors operating their kiosks illegally. The council has not issued any licenses for gaddas, except for those established through the Handicrafts and Horticulture departments,” he added.
