Shopkeepers, residents around Samba Square complain of major inconvenience

Team Herald

PANJIM: The four-day long Carnival festival concluded on Tuesday but more than entertainment, it had an adverse impact on Panjim residents and shopkeepers who are based around the city Municipal Garden – Garcia de Orta. 

The annual festivity’s Samba party has allegedly largely affected the age-old businesses. This time of the year too, the streets around Samba Square was blocked. The trouble didn’t end there as footpath was too encroached, which, they point out has came in complete violation of directives of the High Court of Bombay at Goa pronounced in November 2019. 

All though the four days, besides various entertainment shows put up on the stage, the commercial establishments complained of lack of sensitivity on the part of the organizers. “It was total chaos during this period. There was no access to vehicles and all the more, pedestrians couldn’t use the footpath because it was blocked by the stalls and show organizers,” said one of the shopkeepers, requesting anonymity. 

Reminding the organizers about the High Court order did not yield any positive response. Following which, the shopkeepers ‘forcibly’ made way for the public on the road to Tato’s restaurant. “We are certain that the organizers had no permission to block access to the public. On Monday, most of us (shopkeepers) forcibly opened access to lane at Tato’s restaurant. We had no other option because the organizers are blatantly defying all orders including that of High Court,” another owner of an age-old store told Herald. 

The shop owner recalled that unloading of materials at their premise suffered a setback owing to blockage of roads and footpaths. The business houses are now in talks to approach the High Court for contempt. “We are contemplating to move the High Court pointing at the contempt of its order,” the shop owner added. The business establishments suggested shifting Samba festival to Campal ground. 

Mayor of the Corporation of City of Panaji Uday Madkaikar agreed on the blockage of the roads and footpath while justifying they had obtained required permission during this period. “We are aware of the High Court directions. But we have permission. Moreover, we did not block the roads and the footpath around the event venue until 7pm, when the show would start. The access to roads and footpath was open entire day,” he explained. 

The division bench of Justices M S Sonak and C V Bhadang had disposed of a petition after CCP Commissioner had filed an affidavit assuring the Court that “footpaths would be maintained free for the use of the pedestrians during the entire course of the said event and ensure access to all establishments/ residents in the area.”

The shopkeepers also complained of loud music even after 10pm.