Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Jul 19: In a stern move to restore order at the SGPDA mega retail market, the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) has issued a three-day ultimatum to fruit and vegetable vendors to remove illegal encroachments from market passages—or face the confiscation of their goods along with a Rs 5,000 fine.

SGPDA chairman and local MLA Krishna Daji Salkar, during an unannounced inspection on Friday evening, expressed shock at the state of the vegetable and fruit shed. Accompanied by the PDA Member Secretary and Margao Municipal Engineer Dipak Desai, Salkar found nearly all walkways obstructed by vendors, leaving little to no space for the public to move freely.

“It’s unacceptable,” Salkar said, noting that vendors had blatantly expanded their stalls into common passages, turning public walkways into private selling zones.

The inspection also revealed unhygienic waste disposal practices. Officials observed heaps of waste dumped openly in and around the market, with no sign of proper segregation or disposal mechanisms in place. This has added pressure on both the PDA and the Margao Municipal Council, who are struggling to manage the mess.

“This isn’t just a matter of cleanliness—it’s a matter of discipline and respect for public space,” Salkar stated. “We had already issued warnings. Now we are enforcing them.”

According to the chairman, if vendors fail to comply within the three-day period, PDA workers will arrive with vehicles to seize all goods placed in the passageways. “There will be no return of seized goods, and violators will be fined Rs 5,000,” he warned.

The SGPDA aims to restore order and ensure that the market remains accessible, safe, and sanitary for all citizens.