The State’s commercial capital has grown in leaps and bounds over the last three decades. Even the outskirts of the city, such as areas in and around Aquem, Gogol, Colmorod-Calconda, Fatorda et al are today teeming with residential colonies, trade and commerce. Amidst this upsurge, Margao’s crumbling infrastructure often crops up as a subject of debate, due to rising demands. However, what has thus far not merited adequate attention of both the government and the Margao Municipality over the years is the need for satellite markets.
In fact, the government and the Margao Civic body have only paid lip service to the first satellite market proposal that was presented at the Margao Municipal Council meeting around 30 years ago in 1985.
The Council had then proposed satellite markets at Fatorda, Aquem, Gogol and Calconda-Colmorod as part of a comprehensive plan aimed at decongesting the town. Sadly, not a single satellite market has taken shape till date despite the fact that the two members of the then Municipal Council – Digambar Kamat and Luis Alex Cardozo – rose to become MLAs and Ministers, with Digambar even taking over the reins as Chief Minister for a full five-year term.
That the satellite markets failed to take concrete shape over the last three decades may sound surprising since the concept had always found a mention on the election manifesto of local candidates and parties contesting the Assembly polls.
That’s not all. Hopes were raised of a satellite market taking shape behind the Power House, at Aquem when the BJP-backed Council was ruling the civic body from 2000 to 2005. At the initiative of the Urban Development Minister Digambar Kamat and former Councillor Damu Naik, the civic body had initiated the process of acquisition of a plot behind the Power House. Sadly, the proposal died a natural death and the plot which was identified as the site for the satellite market is today housing a huge real estate project.
The absence of the satellite markets throws water on all plans to decongest the city. But the government’s apathy has not stopped fish, vegetable and fruit vendors from doing business along road sides, on turns and footpaths across the city. It’s not uncommon to find fish and other vendors at the Nehru stadium junction, Gogol junction, Calconda-Colmorod junction, Khareband, near the old fish market and tempo stand etc.
