Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Jan 03: Nearly eleven food stall owners, who were running their fast food stalls near the Food Park of Port Blair Municipal Council at Marina Park, today found that they have been removed from the Food Court area unceremoniously, with just one day notice.
According to reports, the step was taken by the PBMC after some of the shops were allotted by them to private parties after an auction to make sure that the actual bidders do not suffer loss.
But the sudden step of removal was highly criticised by the food stall owners, who were running their shops near the Food Park since years.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha, the food stall owners said that they were cheated by the PBMC as they were told earlier that these shops are made for them but those were later auctioned to other vendors who have paid huge amount for these stalls.
“The PBMC neither provided us any help nor any other space to put our stalls so that we can earn bread for our family,” said a food stall owner.
As per reports, all the food vendors who were removed from the place today met the Secretary of PBMC who has reportedly assured to shift them near Ramakrishna Mission, Marina Park.
“We have just been given verbal assurance by the Secretary that we would be provided space near Ramakrishna Mission, Marina Park but we have not received any written assurance from the Secretary that we will not be fined by the Police or Revenue Officials,” said another food vendor.
