From Sanjay Borkar in Margao
for Daijiworld Media Network - Goa

Margao, Jun 2: Margao hawkers and street vendors' issue is in focus again, as United Goans Welfare Front (UGWF) has demanded to clean up the city, in public interest.

As Margao is said to be a commercial city, most of the people earn their living by selling fruits, vegetables and other items by sitting by the side of the road in this city. Over the past many years this trend is gong on. But now people are facing problems from this vendors and hawkers as they cannot move around smoothly in the city, because of illegal encroachment by shopkeepers and vendors has been rampant. .

Four months ago Margao Municipal Council chairperson Yashwant Tawade had started a drive against these vendors and hawkers, who had illegally occupied the city place. But it did not work since political powers safeguarded the vendors and hawkers and foiled the eviction efforts..

Now UGWF has sought the intervention of South Goa collector J P Naik to act against the illegal encroachment. Also they have submitted a memorandum to chief officer Yashwant Tawade in the matter. It seems both have assured them to clean up the city.

UGWF also urged Tawade to replace the dust bins in the city which are in a dilapidated condition.

MMC tried many times to act against illegal encroachment. Now they are trying again, Will the powers-that-be give them a chance to have their way?