MARGAO: Following complaints from the public to the district authorities, the Margao Municipal Council (MMC), assisted by police closed down shops dealing in non-essential items in the new municipal market, on Tuesday.
After remaining shut for close to a month, shops selling grocery items, essential goods, rain-protection and house repair-related items, and stationary stores, had reopened on Monday following relaxations granted by the district administration.
The collector’s order had in effect relaxed certain lockdown restrictions, permitting opening of municipal and panchayat markets for shops selling these essentials.
However, on Tuesday, as shops selling “non-essential” goods in the new municipal market were also found open, people began crowding the market.
Some complained to the authorities over the violation.
“The collector forwarded me a complaint she had received about overcrowding in the market.
I immediately sent my market inspectors to take necessary action.
I have warned the traders dealing in non-essential items against opening their shops.
I have also warned the market association president that if shops selling non-essential goods are found open, the market will have to be closed,” chief officer of MMC Agnelo Fernandes, told TOI.