the goan I network
VASCO
The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Deepak Naik, councillor Nandadeep Raut along with MMC officials inspected footpath encroachments at Sasmolem-Baina on Thursday and warned the vendors selling fish and vegetables of strict action if they continued to sell outside the market.
Some residents of Sasmolem had began a signature campaign to get rid of the roadside vendors, as it led to traffic congestion at the junction in the area. The residents also complained that garbage was left unattended in a garbage bin for a long time.
"It's a good news that the citizens are active and I have requested them to approach me with their problems. MMC has already decided to get rid of concrete bins and there is daily garbage collection. I will beautify the place, which is a prime location, make seating arrangement and have a canopy at the site," said MMC Chairperson Naik.
Many roadside vendors were seen running after noticing the MMC vehicle and Naik's presence in the area.
"Many times inspectors pick their products and later ask for forgiveness and assure not to repeat selling on roads and we release their goods. This time I have warned them that we won't release the goods if they are found selling on the road. We have also decided to deploy a person in this area to keep a check and he will be held responsible if vendors continue," added Naik.
"We have started our drive against encroachments and we also have direction from the high court to get rid of vendors who block footpaths. Some of our inspectors are also moving around in Vasco and warning all roadside vendors," he said.
Prakash Naik of Sasmolem, who had taken the initiative of the signature campaign, said they took up the campaign after roadside vendors refused to go back to Baina market and continued selling on roadside thinking authorities and locals won't act.
"We have decided to have a ‘Swaccha Baina Abhiyan'. We had told the vendors verbally and since they refused, we decided to start the signature campaign. We have faith that MMC chairperson will solve this issue, but we will still submit our memorandum as planned on November 21," added Naik.
