Mapusa: Concerns were raised about the lack of social distancing observed at the weekly Mapusa market on Friday as hundreds of locals and people from surrounding villages visited the shops to buy fruits, veggies and other essential commodities.
Since the municipality has not allowed any vendor to sit inside the market, vendors occupied both side of the road near Mapusa Urban bank. This also caused traffic congestion and lack of space for people to move.
Following complaints, Mapusa police later rushed to the spot and cleared the vendors from the roadside. However, the vendors protested the same pointing out that they had not only got permission from the municipality but had paid three times the sopo fee for the same.
“Despite paying high fees, we were stopped from doing business by the police. There should be proper planning and coordination between the authorities so that this problem is solved. Either enforce a total lockdown or give everyone the opportunity to conduct business,” said Samir Mhapsekar, a fish vendor.
“People rushed to the Mapusa shops to buy items related to the upcoming monsoons. However, the authorities should decide where the vendors can operate from. Either shift it to Bodgini or any other open space,” a local added.
Ryan Braganza, Chairperson of Mapusa Municipality said more people had come to the market as it was the weekly market day and that on other days not so many people visit. He added that before the situation could get out of hand, the police intervened and drove the vendors and people away.
