PANAJI: In the recent past, when the Panaji’ites elected Mr. Atanacio Monserratte, alias Babush, as their MLA, he conducted a survey of the Panaji Municipal market and discovered many lapses. He went on to rectify them one after the other. One of the improvements was the creation of a spacious fish cutting slot, sealing of leaks from the rooftop, and the use of pavers. The old building structure, which housed chicken cutting shops, mutton shops, beef and pork shops, etc., was in a dilapidated condition and was demolished, creating a huge space for fisherwomen. Besides a hotel, a jewelry shop, and an advocate’s consulting room, others also came under the demolition. Even wholesale local vegetable and fruit vendors conducting business in front of the main gate were imposed with strict discipline, and the market was running smoothly for years. Cleanliness in garbage collection and disposal was undertaken even during the Covid period.
However, after the demolition of the fish market building, the CCP has created space for fish vendors, but fish cutters have no spot. Dry fish sellers occupy the middle space, and there is no protection from rain, with water gushing inside and compelling buyers to wade through ankle-deep water. Fish sellers conduct business in the same condition. Market authorities need to review the situation immediately and provide temporary relief to visitors and sellers. The third phase of the market building can take its time.
Municipal authorities must be enjoying the Central government’s prestigious award bestowed upon the Corporation of the City of Panaji for maintaining clean and tidy roads, with no littering of garbage, no potholes, no rainwater collection, and no filth. Many residents of Panaji city take pride in maintaining cleanliness and vow to do so at all costs. They do not throw garbage on the roadsides, maintain dust bins, paint their houses or buildings in a timely manner, and repair and renovate their dwellings regularly, as domestic and foreign tourists keep visiting the city and appreciating it.
Tourists who visit Goa make it a point to visit Panaji’s gardens, seashores, religious places, beaches, hotels, and markets, and enjoy the free ferry service journey from Panaji to Betim and vice versa. They conclude that the city is clean and tidy.
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