Team Herald
PANJIM: Shopkeepers in and around the Municipal Garden – Garcia de Orta – have raised strong objections to the organisation of Samba Square, Carnival’s biggest samba party at the garden from Saturday evening, stating that the event affects their age-old businesses as the streets are blocked for it.
Around ten shopkeepers from the area held a meeting with the Carnival Committee chairman and City Commissioner Deepak Desai on Thursday and raised objections to the event. The Commissioner assured them an amicable solution, 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 25 evening to February 28 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 Clube Vasco da Gama. They have events there every evening. 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, who has an electronics goods showroom in the area.
He said that the shopkeepers have no objection to the event being held in the garden but their demand is not to block the streets.
While other shopkeepers refused to speak to media persons, they informed the Commissioner about their grievances and demanded that the road should not be blocked or that the event be shifted.
After the meeting, the Commissioner held a site inspection at the venue, which was gearing up for the four-day event. “Their concern is that the road should not be blocked as it affects their business. I have assured them an 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 the High Court pleading that directions be issued to City Corporation not to grant permission to the Samba Square event. However, pending a directive,the event was held in February 2016.
