TEAM HERALD
bureau@herald-goa.com
VASCO: Citizens from the port town claimed that Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has failed to streamline the stalls at the Saptah fair.
It may be recalled that MMC in the pre-Saptah fair meetings had decided that the stalls would be 2 metres in width and 3 metres in height and had also agreed to the demand of the Electricity department not to allow stalls near the transformers.
Sources informed that the stall owners have failed to comply with the specifications and authorities have turned a blind eye towards the increase in height, as most of the stalls are more than 3 metres, while stalls are seen erected near electricity transformers.
Speaking to Herald, senior citizen, N P Naik, stated that MMC had announced that they would streamline stalls this year and there will be enough space after every 10 stalls for the residents to move out of the congested area, but it has failed to do so.
“MMC not only failed to keep an open space after every 10 stalls, but has also failed to crack a whip against stalls which are more than 3 metres in height, and those erected near the electricity transformers,” said Naik.
Another resident, Francis D’Cunha said the residents are not against the Saptah and the fair, but are against erection of stalls in haphazard manner, which causes inconvenience to the residents staying in and around the temple area.
When contacted, MMC Chief Officer Y B Tavde stated that he is not aware of the increase in height and setting up of stalls near the electricity transformers.
When asked whether MMC staff did not bring to his notice the illegalities, Tavde replied in the negative. However, he assured to send MMC market inspectors and junior engineers to inspect the stalls and submit report and accordingly initiate action against the stall owners.
When contacted, Gopinathan Pillai, electricity department executive engineer, said during the meetings he had strongly objected to erection of stalls near transformers. “I will write to the chief officer to demolish the stalls and clear the area near the transformers,” added Pillai.
