NT Reporter
Ponda
The Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) on Tuesday resolved to temporarily relocate 183 market vendors to pave the way for demolition and construction of the new Palika Bazar project. The decision saw heated exchanges among councillors over the timing of the move ahead of the monsoon. The relocation arrangement is expected to remain in place for the next two years.
“Flower vendors, vegetable sellers and spice merchants would be shifted to a private open plot measuring around 1,500sqm along Aravindo Ghosh Marg, popularly known as Airport Road,” said chairperson Veerendra Dhavalikar.
The civic body is expected to enter into a lease agreement with the landowner.
As per sources, the landowner has proposed a monthly rent of Rs 3 lakh.
Several councillors insisted that PMC negotiate the amount down to between Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh before finalising the agreement.
PMC said that fish vendors would continue operating from the basement section of the existing market.
The council also plans to undertake sanitation upgrades and tile work in the fish market area to improve hygiene and infrastructure.
To ensure smooth implementation, the council decided to convene a joint meeting with affected vendors in the coming days.
Dhavalikar later told reporters that PMC was committed to executing the redevelopment project in a phased and systematic manner while protecting the interests of market vendors.
“Nearly 20 roadside vendors may be accommodated at the temporary rehabilitation site to address encroachments and parking obstructions in town. Retendering for sopo collection for a period of eight months will also be undertaken shortly,” he said.
The meeting also witnessed sharp arguments over alleged delays in civic administration.
Meanwhile, councillor Venkatesh Naik objected
to the relocation process being initiated before a detailed presentation of the Palika Bazar redevelopment project.
“The detailed project presentation should have been completed first. Vendors and councillors deserve complete clarity before relocating 183 traders, especially at the onset of the monsoon,” Naik said.
Despite the exchanges, the council resolved to proceed with the rehabilitation process.
