Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco
Vasco, Jul 18: With preparations underway for the upcoming Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah, the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has issued a stern reminder to shopkeepers of Vasco's old vegetable market to clear their outstanding dues before the festivities begin on July 30.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borkar convened a meeting with long-time traders at the council hall on Thursday morning. Several of these vendors have been operating at the market for over seven decades, but a majority have reportedly failed to pay their sopo dues, including accumulated interest on the principal amount.
“The clearing of dues is not just about revenue, it is directly tied to the commencement of the long-pending new vegetable market project, estimated to cost Rs 1.8 crore,” Borkar informed the traders during the meeting.
The current market structure has aged significantly, and plans for a modern facility have been repeatedly stalled due to financial constraints, largely stemming from pending collections.
In a separate development, the council has sanctioned Rs 1.2 lac to the Shree Damodar Bhajani Saptah Committee to support the celebrations of the festival’s 126th edition this year. The festival, which holds immense cultural and religious significance for Vasco residents, will take place from July 30 to August 5.
Authorities have urged traders to cooperate, stating that timely payments will ensure that both development and tradition are upheld without delay.