MARGAO: Margao traders have decided to take the civic body to task for having turned a Nelson’s eye to the encroachments and illegal businesses and handcart operating on the roadside within its jurisdiction.
“It’s been two months since the Margao Municipal Council had assured us to initiate action against the vilolators, but till date municipality is dragging its feet on the issue,” lamented the traders and added that now they would not spare the civic officials.
In view of failure from the part of the civic body, Rajendra Ajgaonkar, President of Vegetable, Readymade and Cloth Vendors Association of Gandhi Market expressed anger and informed them that they will again visit the civic body seeking concrete replies.
It is pertinent to note that in November last year, hundreds of vendors led by former Minister Babu Ajaonkar and Rajendra Ajaonkar had taken out a massive protest against the MMC, demanding immediate action against the illegal business and other issues related to the market.
“Yes, now almost two months have passed but everything continues as usual and no there is no seriousness on the issue. We still have high hopes that the Chief Officer and Chairperson will take initiative in taking action against the illegal business, that is creating impact on the vendors doing business legally”, he stated.
It may be recalled that vendors had raised questions with regard to sopo tax being collected from the illegal business operators and no action was initiated against them. They have even pointed out places where illegal business and hand carts are thriving.
Slamming the civic body, Ajgaonkar said that several vendors continue to operate illegally on the footpaths and other areas, and no action from the civic body, despite knowing that illegalities are taking place in the commercial city of Margao.
It has been also noticed that illegal business activities continue near the Communidade building square at Margao, despite assurance given by the MMC to clear the area within eight days.
“It has been informed to us that the Chief Officer is on leave and hence will be waiting for resuming of his duty to discuss the issue”, informed Ajaonkar.
