Goemkarponn Desk
MAPUSA: From Wednesday, the Mapusa civic authorities began taking action against encroachments in road widening areas lifting paraphernalia and dismantling extensions to stalls/shops.Continuing, the Mapusa MLA requested all the people to cooperate and remove any encroachments on their own rather than wait for authorities to take action in the matters.
The Civic body said that there are even plans to video record the entire clean-up campaign, so that footage could be used as evidence against anyone obstructing the drive.
“The High Court order (in the writ petition 148/97) clearly states that all municipal footpaths/roads should be cleared from any encroachments. So, if anyone comes in the way while we undertake the anti-encroachment drive, the person will be committing contempt of court,” a civic official informed.
The date of the anti-encroachment drive has, however, been kept under wraps.
The anti-encroachment footpath drive will not be confined only in the market, but will cover the entire MMC jurisdiction, which includes food joints and business establishments outside the market area.
The civic body first decided to send notices to encroachers. A public notice was issued in March giving encroachers seven days to clear off government spaces.
“There was a delay in acting after the notice period was over, since the council had to arrange adequate staff and labourers to go about town to clear encroachers,” Priya Mishal said.
Mishal added that the drive will continue until all illegal operators are removed and their material seized. The seized items will be released on payment of fines.
Mapusa has grown multi-fold with an uptick in commercial activities but public spaces have not kept pace with the expansion. The town offers little or no public amenities and navigating the town is a nightmare for motorists.
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