Panaji: Concerns over commercial exhibitions in residential areas, proposed allocation of new kiosks, parking congestion and the proposed private operation of government jetties were among
the issues raised by councillors during the monthly meeting of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) on Wednesday.
Former deputy mayor and councillor Kabir Pinto raised concerns over exhibitions being organised in residential areas of Panaji, saying they were creating parking and traffic problems and inconveniencing residents.
“Exhibitions are welcome, but they should be held at suitable locations,” Makhija said, calling for such events to be shifted to designated areas.
Referring to music events organised in the area, he said sound checks start at 8 am and the music goes on till 10-10.30 pm, disturbing the elderly and the sick. He said exhibitions and music events attract thousands of people, while the traffic police are helpless as there is no space to park.
“Identify some area outside the city limits and have an exhibition centre,” he said, adding that this impacts not just Campal residents but those living in Miramar and using D B Marg.
He also called for speed restrictions on this road.
Pinto said the mayor and commissioner had understood the issue and agreed to find a solution to it.
Raising another issue, he said the Vending Committee had identified 27 gaddas (kiosks) in his Ward No 9. He said he was not opposed to the allocation of gaddas but they could not all be put up in one ward.
He suggested that a special zone could be made for them at Patto. He objected to having gaddas again near the back gate of Don Bosco’s. He also raised the issue of spa timings.
Councillor Jack Sukhija said CCP meetings should be held monthly and not after six to seven months.
He also brought to the attention of the mayor and commissioner the problems being faced by locals in his ward when tourists come with their vehicles into residential areas.
“Their vehicles should be parked in the designated areas,” he said.
Sukhija also raised concerns over the proposed public-private partnership arrangement for the Captain of Ports’ terminal and allied jetty facilities, with councillors seeking that the tender be kept on hold pending wider consultation.
“If you are giving away a licence for 40 years, if it is not equivalent to privatisation, then what is it?” Sukhija had said while raising the issue.
The council further discussed the need for expenditure records to be approved before fresh allocations are made.
