Daijiworld Media Network - Porvorim

Porvorim, Apr 13: Under the directions of the High Court, the Penha de Franca panchayat has finally cracked the whip on 79 unauthorised kiosks in Malim and surrounding areas, issuing removal notices and setting April 15 as the deadline for compliance.

Most of the kiosks are concentrated near the Malim Fish Jetty, a known traffic bottleneck. The issue dates back to 2013 when the PWD had proposed road widening in the area to ease congestion. Despite repeated warnings, the panchayat failed to act, allowing the kiosks to thrive unchecked.

Notices were first served over a decade ago, but lack of enforcement and alleged political patronage saw illegal kiosks mushroom not just at Malim but also near the DIET centre and along the increasingly busy B B Borkar Road.

Sources allege that even a panchayat member has erected multiple kiosks near the Borkar Road stretch, adding to the chaos, even as locals raised objections.

A social activist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “It’s unfortunate that the High Court has to intervene every time. We hope the panchayat shows some willpower and acts decisively this time.”

With traffic snarls worsening amid the ongoing Porvorim elevated corridor work, citizens are now counting on the court’s directive to finally bring some order to the roads of Penha de Franca.