GUILHERME ALMEIDA
gilu@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: Your popular and much-sought after rasa omlette-pav and wadda-pav gaddas dotting the city’s open spaces and by lanes have disappeared late night.
Patronised mostly by the common man for late night fast food, these gaddas have begun to shut shop at 11 pm, thanks to the district collector’s instructions ordering closure of all liquor shops, bars and restaurants, food joints, shacks etc everyday by 11 pm.
And, come February 6 one would find these gaddas closed by 10 pm as per the closure orders issued by district collectors.
Says a gadda owner operating from Margao’s old bus stand: “The police has left strict instructions to close down the kiosk by 11 pm. We have been left with no option than to comply or face a whip from over enthusiastic cops.”
An owner of a popular gadda selling omlet pav in the heart of the city says most of these joints were frequented by the common man late night. “Customers used to flood our gaddas late night. We were catering to customers upto midnight”, he remarked.
A regular customer demanded to know what these omlet pav and wada pav gaddas have to do with the elections. “It’s ridiculous to order closure of these joints when they don’t serve liquor. The order will only deprive late night facility for the customers to enjoy their omlette pav equivalent to a meal”, the customer added.
Reportedly, the men in uniform, intimated the Collector’s order individually, warning of strict action for any violations.
When contacted, District Magistrate and District Electoral Officer, Sandip Jacques said the omlette pav gaddas have also been brought under the purview of instructions from election officials. Jacques, however, added that the issue will be discussed threadbare with the chief electoral officer, Goa on Saturday morning following representations received from stakeholders.
In the order, Jacques warned of cancellation of licenses and the owner liable for penal action if any liquor shop, bar, restaurant, pub, food joint or shack is found open beyond the timings.
