Margao: Margao recorded the highest number of 1828 active COVID positive cases on Wednesday, but despite this panic situation, major Covid protocol violations were witnessed in the Margao wholesale markets especially in the early morning hours.
For the last several days the major wholesale markets of fruits, vegetables and fish at Pimpalkatta, Gandhi Market and at Madel are witnessing gross violation of all the COVID norms. What is surprising is that not a single policeman is seen at the sites as a result of which huge rush of wholesalers, vendors, labourers and locals are flouting the norms. Vehicles from Karnataka and Maharashtra were also noticed at all three wholesale sites in large numbers.
When Herald visited these three sites on Tuesday and Wednesday, at 5.30 am unbelievable scenes and behaviour of people was witness, wherein hardly a few wore masks and maintained social distancing.
Pimpalkatta, Gandhi Market and Madel, Margao are considered as one of the major hubs with regard to the wholesale of fruits, vegetables and fish is concerned, wherein people and local vendors from all corners of South Goa visit in the earlier morning hours. But, presently despite the night curfew which ends at 6 am a mad rush of people can be seen who flout all norms of Covid protocol. And surprisingly the police are least bothered in keeping vigilance at the sites.
When asked why he was not wearing a mask, one of the vendor’s said, “kainch zaina re” (nothing will happen).
The number of positive cases and deaths reported in Margao itself is an alarming figure. As of April 28, the number of active cases in Margao is 1828 and it’s rising every day. Margao tops the tally of positive cases.
Speaking to the Herald, President of New Market Vendors Association, Vinod Shirodkar strongly demanded that the Collector’s order with regard to strict action against the violators at Pimpalkatta and Gandhi market be followed.
He further said that they had a meeting with the Chief Officer of Margao Municipality demanding that they control the mad rush at Pimpalkatta in the morning hours. “CO had assured us action but till date, nothing has been done. And people entering the Pimpalkatta are violating the norms”, he added.
Margao MLA and Leader of Opposition, Digambar Kamat has said SOPs need to be implemented.
Stating he is aware of the situation in Margao and police not keeping proper vigilance, Kamat said police have to assign the duties.
“Presently common people are facing the problem and Madgaonkars are in a panic situation”, he added. He also demanded that the police keep a vigil on the business movements in the early hours of the morning in Margao.
Reacting to the above scenario Margao Town Police Inspector Sachin Narvekar said they have patrolling point in the markets and police are trying their best to keep a proper vigil.
According to the locals, this may be one of the major reasons for the rise of positive cases in Margao for last many days.
