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Mapusa looks at shifting annual Matoli bazaar

Saligao: Mapusa market has always drawn hundreds of customers to its yearly Matoli bazaar. This year to curb the spread of Covid-19, Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) has approached MLAs of neighbouring constituencies to organise their own markets to reduce crowds at Mapusa.

MMC chairperson Ryan Braganza said the municipality has spoken to Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Aldona MLA Glenn Ticlo, Saligao MLA Jayesh Salgaonkar, Siolim MLA Vinod Palyekar, and Tivim MLA Nilkant Harlankar.

After the discussion, Lobo suggested that the MMC organise the bazaar at the Canca roundabout while Ticlo requested that the market be held at Bastora. Harlankar said the bazaar could be held at Khorlim housing board area as well.

During the MMC meeting with representatives of Ganeshotsav mandals, NGOs, police and other stakeholders, it was decided that three to four spots at Acoi, Karaswada, Cunchelim, Khorlim and an artificial pond at Bodgeshwar temple will be used for idol immersion. “All this is being done to reduce the number of people gathering in Mapusa,” Braganza said.

The municipality has also fixed a tentative time-table from 6pm to 10pm for immersion of idols in all its wards. “We will also be issuing an advisory and expect people to cooperate with us due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” Braganza said.

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