PORVORIM: A significant and much-awaited development has unfolded in Porvorim as the old market, a source of persistent concern for residents, was finally demolished this week. The market, constructed four decades ago to cater to the convenience of the local population, had gradually deteriorated into a hub for a range of unethical activities.
Over the years, the market had become a focal point of contention due to its association with various unsavory practices, including gambling, the sale of alcoholic beverages, and other morally questionable items. Frustrated with these ongoing issues, residents had filed numerous complaints with the Housing Board, appealing for intervention to address the deteriorating state of affairs.
A decisive move was taken when Jit Arolkar, the current Chairman of the Housing Board, recognized the gravity of the situation and swiftly initiated action. The decision was made to reclaim the land, and in a remarkably short span of two to three days, the market was completely razed to the ground, as depicted in the accompanying photograph. This development marked the culmination of a prolonged struggle by the Housing Board, which had previously issued multiple notices for the removal of the market, including on May 20, 2012, August 17, 2012, and September 1, 2017. The impact of this demolition has been particularly meaningful for the original slum dwellers in the vicinity who had been adversely affected by the presence of the market.
Overseeing the demolition process was Guruprasad Naik, the Housing Board’s junior engineer, along with his team. While the original traders have been given assurances of the opportunity to participate in new market projects at reasonable rates, the finer details are expected to be communicated to them at a later date.
With the old market now consigned to history, shopkeepers are eagerly anticipating the construction of the new market complex, hoping to swiftly regain their livelihoods. The decision to dismantle the old market has garnered strong support from local authorities, including Minister and MLA Rohan Khaunte. He underscored the significance of addressing the pervasive unethical practices and threats to public safety associated with the old market, marking this demolition as a positive step forward.
