VASCO: Overruling the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), the Mormugao Taluka Administration has decided to keep the Saptah fair open for only seven days instead of ten. The decision was taken at a department-heads meeting called by Mormugao Deputy Collector Sabaji Shetye on Friday.
“I received several representations from locals and vendors that they will face undue hardships if any extension is given to the traditional fair. Considering this fact, we decided that the Saptah fair should be restricted to seven days. MMC should clear all stalls on Swatantrapath lane after that for easy movement of traffic,” said Vasco MLA Carlos Almeida.
Issues such as maintaining hygiene by providing 15 mobile toilets, installation of CCTV cameras at various crossroads in the fair venue, deployment of police personnel to maintain order, deployment of emergency services, among others were also raised at the meeting.
The meeting was thrown in chaos after the issues of subletting of stalls and involvement of council members in such malpractices were raised by Almeida and Mormugao MLA Milind Naik. However, MMC Chairperson Lavina D’Souza rejected their allegations.
“It has been brought to my notice that a few councillors are involved in subletting of stalls, which is matter of grave concern. I would like to warn the council to stop such malpractice as the name of council is getting spoiled.”
