It has become a lucrative spot for roadside hawkers and fish vendors, but the Dabolim junction on the way to Bogmalo has led to unbearable stench, traffic congestion and growing number of accidents in recent times.
While local authorities have proposed measures to tackle the problem, these measures have remained merely on paper.
“The road is very narrow and fish vendors make it worse for motorists travelling along the road,” said aggrieved Nancy Fernandes, a frequent visitor to Bogmalo.
Added Anthony Gomes of Bogmalo: “Fish vendors have created unhygienic surroundings and stench has been caused by wastewater at the site. Surprisingly, the vendors are located around the local bus stop, making it difficult for bus commuters and other passers-by.”
“It also causes congestion as customers buy fish from these roadside vendors, forcing commuters and bystanders to wait on the road. Buses then stop in the middle of the road leading to traffic chaos,” said Gomes.
Shopkeepers in the vicinity have also complained that fish vendors discharge fish water at the site. “The area stinks due to this wastewater and these vendors should be shifted elsewhere, for their own benefit and the safety of passers-by,” remarked a shopkeeper.
Fish vendors have claimed they have been using the space as it provides them with their only livelihood. “If the panchayat moves us away, we shall not earn anything. The panchayat should plan an alternate place to rehabilitate vendors, if they want to stop us from selling fish at this present site,” said a fish vendor, Mary Fernandes.
When brought to her notice, Chicalim Sarpanch Marie Mascarenhas said the first priority at the Dabolim junction is to stop the discharge of wastewater on the road.
A resolution was passed on July 28 for a general meeting to resolve the problem, but there has been no sign of addressing the issue.
“Since a new panchayat secretary has taken over, it will take some time to implement the project,” said Mascarenhas.
Panch Anacleto D’Souza said they would move a resolution to clear the fish vendors from the area at the next general meeting. Asked if the panchayat would provide an alternative site for fish vendors, D’Souza avoided the question and said: “Initially, only one vendor started the business and many others have joined later.”
When contacted, Bogmalo Sarpanch Laximan Kavlekar said the traffic congestion should compel the Chicalim Panchayat to shift the fish vendors before any major disaster takes place.
“The area occupied by fish vendors is earmarked for road-widening as it is an accident-prone area. Local authorities should address the illegalities and evict fish vendors and other hawkers, who have encroached on the area,’ said Kavlekar.
