Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: In a dramatic turn of events, Vasco-based transporters and local truck owners staged a protest by blocking the movement of loaded trucks at Varunapuri junction. The protestors alleged that a monopoly by an external lobby was depriving them of business while trucks from outside the state were being given preference for transportation to and from the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA).
The transporters, citing severe financial distress, demanded an assurance from the MPA or the port-based companies for a fair share of the business. “We are local transporters, and this is our traditional livelihood. Despite this, we are left without work while trucks from other states operate freely. Many of us have loans, and some even have gold loans, leading to dire financial conditions. We have waited for three years, and this blockade was our last resort,” said one of the truck owners.
As the protest escalated, the blocking of trucks caused a massive traffic jam at Varunapuri junction, prompting Vasco police to intervene and prevent any law-and-order situation.
Upon receiving news of the agitation, Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, who was attending a meeting in Margao, rushed to the site. Engaging with the transporters, he urged them to withdraw the strike and assured them of a solution from Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant.
“I sympathize with the transporters as they have been struggling, especially post-COVID. They have approached me several times, and I even took them to meet the CM, who assured us of a resolution but was caught up with work. I have now updated him on the situation, and he has agreed to meet the transporters tomorrow at 11:30 AM. I am confident that he will provide a solution. These transporters are not opposing business for others; they are only demanding fair distribution. I will personally take a delegation to the CM to resolve this issue,” said Salkar.
Following this assurance, the transporters agreed to withdraw the strike temporarily, pending the outcome of their meeting with the CM. The situation remains tense, but stakeholders are hopeful for a fair resolution that balances local employment with port business operations.
