TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: Over a decade since the commissioning of the mega market in the commercial capital, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has moved the government to declare its market as a “public market”.
The file containing the proposal has been forwarded to the government for approval, with the SGPDA maintaining that the proposal would accord its market the status of public market.
“All this time our mega market comprising of the fish, vegetable, fruits, meat and dry fish was considered a private market. This status came in the way of the authorities having their jurisdiction over the market,” remarked SGPDA Member Secretary Rajesh Naik.
He said the SGPDA need no longer write to the authorities every time for help and assistance once the market gets the status as a public market. For instance, he pointed out that to clear the encroachments, the SGPDA had to write to the MMC to crack the whip. “Once our market gets the status of a public market, the authorities will automatically exercise their jurisdiction over the market,” he added.
Meanwhile, Claude Alvares of Green Goa Works sought to allay apprehensions over the proposed pay-parking scheme sought to be introduced by the SGPDA from June 17.
“The whole intention is not to generate revenue, but to bring order in the market. Presently, there is no regulation resulting in chaos. People park their vehicles in the market and go to various destinations, leaving no space for customers coming for shopping,” he said.
As per the tentative rates worked out by the SGPDA, two-wheelers will be charged Rs 2, while four-wheelers will have to shell out Rs 10 as parking fees. “We will deploy manpower to regulate parking and collect fees. The revenue will be spent on the maintenance of the market,” Alvares said.
