Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has intensified its crackdown on illegal encroachments at the Vasco market, following repeated complaints from local residents and shopgoers about congestion and obstruction within the market premises.
On Tuesday, MMC carried out its third consecutive drive in the last four days, targeting vendors who continued to occupy public space despite multiple warnings. Chairperson Girish Borker said that the council had issued several notices and verbal appeals to vendors, urging them to keep their goods within the designated shop areas, but these had largely been ignored.
“Many vendors continued to encroach upon the walkways and common areas, making it extremely difficult for people to move freely. In some parts of the market, two people couldn’t even walk side-by-side due to the level of encroachment,” Borker said.
During the drive, MMC officials not only cleared the encroachments but also confiscated goods that were displayed outside permitted boundaries. “The seized items were handed over to old age homes. This action was not taken lightly but became necessary due to the lack of cooperation from the vendors,” Borker added.
The MMC chairperson also warned that if encroachments persist, the council would not hesitate to initiate stringent legal action. “We have been patient and lenient so far, but now we will come down heavily on those who violate the norms,” he stated.
The council’s enforcement actions follow numerous complaints from citizens about the deteriorating condition of the market area. Many had raised concerns about safety and accessibility, especially for senior citizens and women.
MMC has appealed to vendors to respect public space norms and cooperate with authorities to ensure a clean and accessible market for all. Further drives are expected if violations continue.
