MORMUGAO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) convened a special meeting on Tuesday to deliberate on a range of civic concerns, including the delayed inauguration of the new fish market, the condition of Hindu crematoriums, unauthorized structures, and the controversial gates installed by the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) at Baina.
Addressing the media after the meeting, MMC Chairperson Girish Borker stated that the council had taken up several critical matters for discussion and decision-making.
Borker informed us that the new fish market in Mormugao has been completed, with only minor changes pending. However, its official inauguration has been delayed due to pending coordination with the Urban Development Minister. “Although we aim to inaugurate the market within this month, it is important to note that the fish market was never officially notified by the council—an apparent oversight. I have directed that it be notified immediately,” Borker said.
He further stated that while the market was designed to accommodate 250 vendors based on prior demand, currently only around 100 vendors are expected to occupy the space. “We will issue a three-month notice to all listed vendors to begin operations. If they fail to do so, we will reallocate the remaining stalls to traditional fishermen of Goan origin to ensure proper utilization of the facility and to enhance revenue for the MMC,” he added.
Turning to the condition of local Hindu crematoriums, Borker said the crematoriums in Vasco and Mormugao, both maintained by the MMC, require attention, with the Vasco facility in particular need of urgent renovation. Plans are in place to partner with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) to carry out upgrades, including the construction of a ramp for the immersion of ashes. A joint inspection with GSL is scheduled, after which a proposal will be submitted to the council for approval.
He also noted the absence of proper accommodation for crematorium staff. “Given the nature of their duties, which often extend into late hours, the MMC has decided to permit the caretaker and his family to reside on the crematorium premises,” Borker said. He also announced that night cremation will now require approval from the concerned councillor or panch member to ensure that legal procedures are followed.
Raising another contentious issue, Councillor Deepak Naik expressed strong discontent over the inaction regarding the gates and compound wall installed by the MPA at Baina. “The council had passed a unanimous resolution to have them removed, yet no steps have been taken. This delay has led to criticism on social media and from political rivals. If no action is taken within seven days, I will be forced to seek judicial intervention,” Naik warned.
Naik also raised public concerns over road widening in the area, citing a recent Supreme Court directive related to road measurements. He said the move had sparked fears among locals about possible property loss. “There was no prior communication to the MMC about this initiative. We have requested that the matter be deferred and a separate meeting be convened to discuss it in detail,” Naik concluded.
The meeting highlighted the council’s intent to resolve ongoing civic challenges through a combination of infrastructure improvements and administrative reforms.
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