QMC battles odds, begins demolition of illegal kiosks

QUEPEM: Despite claims of pressure from politicians as well as from a section of councillors, Quepem municipal council (QMC), on Wednesday demolished four illegal kiosks (gaddas) at Tilamol, which had been occupying prime spaces in front of the market building.
Over 16 illegal kiosks have long been operating in Quepem town, Amona junction and Tilamol; areas that fall within the council's jurisdiction.The QMC's demolition drive began in Tilamol after initial hesitation on account of pressure from elected representatives.
Kiosks were razed by labourers without police protection and in the presence of QMC chairperson Filu D'Costa, chief officer Pramod Dessai, engineer Nitin Kotharkar and other council staff. "We will demolish all illegal kiosks after serving their owners advance notices, as these are obstructing pedestrians and commuters. Some of them even function from parking spaces," D'Costa said.
"We have initiated action based on a report that appeared in TOI on September 16, 2016," D'Costa said, adding, "The pressure from local politicians kept mounting after a decision to demolish them was taken."
The next demolition will target nine kiosks at Amona junction. Some of them are permanently fixed, without wheels, in an area marked for road widening. Former QMC chairperson Raul Pereira also raised the issue, based on the TOI report, during the last council meeting held on November 2.
The four kiosks demolished on Wednesday have been shut for the last four months and details of their owners couldn't be found, QMC sources said.
Regarding collection of sopo (tax) on illegal kiosks, chief officer Dessai said action will be initiated against those QMC officials who engage in such activity and that an inquiry would be conducted, if reported.
Although kiosks are required to be shifted back to their respective owners' residences after dark, most remain permanently anchored to the spot, allegedly with the blessings of local politicians.
TOI had reported that there are 16 illegal kiosks, three set up in front of the old QMC market building in Quepem town, eight at Amona junction and five at Tilamol. Locals allege that one kiosk sells cigarettes and guttka to college students, and that too, within a radius of less than 100m from the school for special children.