MARGAO: Margao continues to grapple with severe traffic congestion, largely attributed to the encroachment of main roads by fruit and vegetable vendors at multiple locations.
In areas such as the New Market, footpaths or walkways designated for pedestrians are virtually non-existent, as they have been occupied by vendors, leading to incidents of pickpocketing.
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Despite increased vigilance by Margao Traffic Police in enforcing Motor Vehicle Act violations, encroachments on footpaths persist along roads leading to the main town from Aquem and Gogol, exacerbating traffic congestion during peak hours. However, authorities have yet to initiate measures to remove these vendors, exacerbating the situation.
Similar issues plague the road from Margao to Fatorda, with vendors encroaching on the thoroughfare at various points, hindering the smooth flow of traffic as commuters halt to make purchases.
These unauthorised stalls are also a common sight along the Borda-Margao road, the road from Navelim to Sirlim, as well as in areas like Aquem, Fatorda, and Colva.
Expressing concern, retired secondary school teacher G R Naik highlighted that during the pandemic, several vendors had set up temporary stalls under trees and along highway stretches, triggering traffic problems as drivers stop their vehicles abruptly for purchases.
A retired head clerk of PWD, speaking anonymously, criticised the Margao Municipal Council for its inaction against vendors encroaching on municipal land in the new market area, hindering pedestrian movement and exacerbating congestion.
While Traffic Police have intensified their campaign against parking violations, they are yet to address the issue of vendors causing congestion and accidents by displaying goods by the roadside.
Speaking on the matter, an ASI from the Traffic Police cell revealed ongoing discussions with the Margao Municipal Council to find a solution.
Even as a dedicated parking area does not exist in Margao, traffic police are making sure that those who park their vehicles in “no-parking zones” are penalised.
A trader from Margao market noted the challenge posed by ‘sopo’ owners encroaching upon municipal land without facing consequences.
Prominent citizen Rajendra Naik underscored the hazardous conditions for pedestrians in Margao, with narrow pavements occupied by hawkers and buses parked on roadsides. “It is very common to hear loud noise of cars screeching to a halt to avoid hitting people walking on the road since pavements are very narrow and often occupied by hawkers. In such a condition, how do pedestrians find their way out?”
The persisting traffic woes in Margao demand urgent action from authorities.
