PANJIM: The shopkeepers in and around the city Municipal Garden- Garcia
de Orta have raised strong objection to the Samba Square, Carnival’s biggest
samba party to be held at the garden from Saturday evening, alleging that the event
affects their age-old businesses as the streets are blocked by the carnival
committee.
Around ten shopkeepers from the area on Thursday held
meeting with the Carnival Committee chairman and City Commissioner Deepak Desai
raising their objections. Commissioner assured them an amicable solution to the
problem, where the committee will ensure that the shopkeepers and residents
have the least trouble.
The Samba Square, inspired by Brazil’s lively carnival, started
in 2013 will be held from February 28 evening to March 1 evening. Garcia de
Orta in the heart of the state capital is the venue for the music, dance and
food stalls.
“They block the street which is opposite to the club
Vasco-de-Gama. They have events there every evening, which creates noise pollution.
We have age-old business establishments in the area. Since, the streets are blocked;
our customers are not able to enter the shops. Our business gets severely
affected,” said Akshay Shankwalkar, shopkeeper having SONY showroom in the
area.
He said that the shopkeepers have no objection to holding
event in the garden but our demand is not to block the streets.
While other shopkeepers refused to speak to media persons,
they informed Commissioner about their grievances and demanded that the road
should not be blocked or that the event be shifted.
Post meeting, Commissioner had a site inspection at the
venue, which was gearing up for the four-day event. “See, their concern is that
the road should not be blocked as it affects their business. I have assured
them amicable solution. We will ensure that the shopkeepers are least troubled.
It is an annual event held to attract tourists and for locals, who do attend it
in large number,” Dessai said.
In November 2015 around 20 shopkeepers had approached High Court
pleading that directions be issued to City Corporation not to grant permission
to Samba Square event. However, pending matter, the event was held in February
2016.
