Old Goa site cleared of hawker menace

Panaji: The streets and pavements in Old Goa’s church complex — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — were cleared of obstructions after owners of carts, kiosks and gaddas removed impediments following directions issued by the local panchayat.

Acting on an April 8 order of the Bombay high court to clear footpaths within the church complex and surrounding areas, the Old Goa panchayat had instructed small businesses to comply within 10 days.

The owners subsequently shifted the structures, many of which had ceased to be movable as required and had instead become permanent, contributing to unhygienic conditions unsuitable for a protected heritage precinct.

“The owners have carried out the task on their own. For those who fail to comply, the panchayat will move in with machinery,” a source said.

Encroachments were largely concentrated along pavements and open spaces opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Church of St Francis of Assisi, particularly along a long stretch on both sides of the junction on the complex’s western side.

Though some debris remains, officials noted that the area is significantly cleaner than before, with improved pedestrian access and better visibility around key heritage structures.

A similar clean-up exercise was undertaken when Goa hosted several G20 events, including the fourth tourism working group meeting in June 2023. At the time, handcarts and gaddas were temporarily shifted from Old Goa and along the highway at Corlim, but gradually returned once the events concluded, raising concerns about enforcement consistency.

While the usual hustle and bustle at these spots has died down, heritage activists have welcomed the drive and stated that unauthorized permanent structures should also be removed. A few gaddas along the Old Goa-Ribandar road continue to operate.

As the drive continues, the number of kiosks and gaddas removed is not yet known. “The count will be taken after the task is completed,” a source said.
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