Residents seek clarity from MMC on extended market activities, traffic congestion and collection of vendor fees beyond scheduled deadline.
Concerns have been raised over the continued operation of the Old Market Feast fair in Margao even after the official eight-day event concluded on May 31, with residents questioning the collection and accounting of vendor fees on the additional day.
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Business activities at the fair reportedly continued on Monday, leading to increased traffic congestion in and around the Old Market area and drawing criticism from local residents.
Fatorda resident Milagred Fernandes alleged that the extension of the feast market beyond the officially permitted period resulted in traffic jams and inconvenience to commuters. Fernandes also questioned whether the fees collected from vendors on Monday would be officially reflected in the records of the Margao Municipal Council (MMC).
According to Fernandes, the contractor engaged to manage the feast market was allegedly collecting fees from vendors despite the fair having officially ended. He expressed concern that revenue collected on the additional day may not be accounted for in the official feast market earnings and could instead benefit a third party.
The allegations have prompted calls for greater transparency from the authorities. Residents have urged the MMC to clarify whether permission was granted for the feast market to continue operating beyond the stipulated deadline and to disclose how any additional revenue generated during the extended period will be recorded and audited.
Citizens have also called on the civic body to ensure accountability in the management of public events and to address concerns regarding traffic management and revenue collection associated with the fair.
The MMC is yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
