SHWETA KAMAT
For the second year in row, the Panjim feast delight brought about by the temporary food, clothes and other stalls around the Church Square will be seen missing this year too as the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) is most likely not to allow stalls citing cleanliness cum hygiene, traffic congestion and the Smart City concept.
This year only the traditional stalls, which include chonekar (grams) khajekar (sweetmeats) along with some local items like handmade/ homemade will be granted permissions by the civic body.
The temporary stalls spread along 18th June Road right up to the Church Square for the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception are awaited by people who purchase items varying from clothes, utensils, decorative items, toys, etc. However, residents and local shopkeepers have often been up in arms against these temporary stalls, as their presence leads to unhygienic conditions in the area.
Speaking to Herald, City Mayor Surendra Furtado said that this year too they are most likely not to allow these temporary stalls as cleanliness and traffic mess becomes a major issue during the period. “These stalls, majority of which are put by non Goans, create nuisance. Unhygienic conditions, garbage, et cetera prevails,” he said.
The Mayor said that small stalls of traditional items and others at very small scale will be allowed.
Sources said CCP finds it difficult to clean the mess and the area starts stinking after some days creating unhealthy living conditions. “As everyone is aware, the shopkeepers and residents here too create lot of drama over the same,” sources said.
The annual feast on December 8, celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Mother Mary and brings thousands of people, irrespective of religion to the Church and the stalls.
