MMC CO directed to supervise, coordinate with concerned depts
MARGAO
Finally, a whip will be cracked against illegal and unauthorised business establishments along roadsides in the Fatorda area of the commercial capital.
For, the South Goa District Magistrate Asvin Chandru has invoked the directions of the High Court of Bombay passed in the Writ Petition No. 148 of 1997 against the illegal and unauthorised business establishments, including encroachments on the footpaths in Fatorda.
In fact, the District Magistrate has issued directions to the authorities to immediately remove all such establishments and activities to ensure compliance with the Court’s directions and to avoid any contempt.
That’s not all. The District Magistrate has further directed the authorities to remove all illegal/ unauthorised food carts, hawkers, kiosks, gaddas, and all such illegal activities along the roadside in the Fatorda area with immediate effect. This should also be maintained as a continuous measure to prevent this recurring problem.
This direction has been issued based on a 2010 notification issued by the then South District Magistrate prohibiting parking for all hand carts, gaddas, hawkers, eatables, sale of fruits vendors, and furniture marts and other sales, if any, from all junctions of road/ circle/ traffic islands within a radius of 50 metres.
To execute and implement the High Court’s directions, the district magistrate has issued directions to the Margao Municipal Chief Officer to supervise and coordinate with all the concerned departments, providing manpower and resources for executing these directions. Further, all encroachments on the footpath, along the roadside, and illegal eateries, including illegal scrapyards, shall be removed forthwith. A mechanism must also be devised to keep footpaths and roadsides free from any illegalities, the directions added.
The Dy Collector & SDM-I/Incharge of Demolition Squad has been directed to initiate similar action and provide all necessary assistance, including squads, to the concerned departments for the effective execution of these directions.
The Director, FDA and Urban Health Centre, Margao has been told to ensure that food stalls, eateries and such establishments comply with food safety standards and obtain the necessary licences before resuming operations. They have been told to establish a schedule for regular monitoring and inspections to prevent the re-emergence of illegal and unauthorized food establishments in Fatorda.
Besides, the Excise Department has been directed to ensure that all liquor wholesalers comply with the required licensing regulations and operating hours.
