Team Herald
VASCO: The vendors at the fruits and vegetables market in Vasco have threatened to shut down the market and hold protests at the Mormugao Municipal Council building after they alleged harassment by the market inspection teams.
The MMC however said that they are going by the law and directions from the higher authorities.
On Monday, the situation got tense as the team of market inspectors went on a drive to clear encroachments in the fruits and vegetables market. MMC chairperson Kritesh Gaonkar soon after taking charge took action against these vendors citing complaints from people. The market team led by the Accounts and Taxation Officer yet again carried out a drive against the encroachments in this market. However, the vendors on Monday took strong objection to the drive and protested violently. Police had to be called to disperse the crowd.
The vendors said they have been paying regular sopo charges to the MMC and accused the MMC of harassment.
“We are regular sopo payers and are being troubled continuously. Vendors at the fish market sit on the roads and pavements but no attention is paid to such violations,” a vendor alleged.
Another vendor said, “The vendors use large umbrellas to protect the fruits and vegetables and themselves from the scorching heat. The MMC has objection to using umbrellas too. We are not here all day; we sell our goods and leave the place”.
He urged the MMC to be more compassionate towards the small time vendors.
“Construct a new market if you don’t want the licensed traders to carry out business,” the vendors demanded.
MMC chief officer Agnelo Fernandes said, “The MMC is right in taking action against these vendors encroaching upon the pathways. We are going as per law and are following orders from the higher authorities”.
“The vendors have time and again asked to step back and keep the pathways free for the public but they continue to encroach the next day. Hence, my office has issued the order to remove the encroachments,” the CO said.
