Margao Residents Urge Crackdown On Illegal Plant Sellers In Salcete
Civic concerns are mounting in Salcete Taluka as unregistered plant nurseries continue to operate unchecked, particularly along the busy Nuvem-Margao western bypass. Residents and local organisations have flagged the increasing presence of handcart-based vendors selling ornamental and fruit-bearing plants without required licences. An NGO has formally petitioned agriculture authorities in Margao to take decisive action, citing violations under existing nursery regulations and risks to consumer safety due to unverified plant sources.
The presence of these mobile nurseries, which operate in densely trafficked areas, has not only raised questions about their legality but also about the quality and traceability of the plants being sold. According to officials, licensed nurseries are required to follow strict conditions under ‘The Goa Fruit and Ornamental Plant Nurseries (Regulation) Act 1995’. However, many vendors reportedly bypass these norms, offering products with no clarity on origin, soil quality, or disease resistance. This poses serious concerns for ecological integrity and consumer rights, especially when unsuspecting buyers unknowingly invest in low-quality or invasive plant species. Urban green spaces play a critical role in maintaining air quality, biodiversity, and heat regulation in rapidly growing towns like Margao. The unregulated spread of informal nurseries could threaten that balance.
Officials have been reminded that their inaction may fall under the ambit of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, especially if it results in damage or loss for citizens acting in good faith. Local groups are urging the agriculture department to partner with revenue and police authorities to enforce the law and ensure that only certified sellers operate within the region. Activists are also pushing for stricter implementation of previous public notices, including the one issued in February 2018 that mandated licensed nurseries to display proper signage and fulfil specific environmental and safety standards. The absence of compliance mechanisms, they argue, has allowed fly-by-night operators to thrive, often at the expense of genuine green entrepreneurs who follow guidelines.
The demand for enforcement isn’t just about legality—it’s about building an equitable, ecologically sound, and transparent urban environment for both sellers and consumers. The growing green economy in Goa must be nurtured with both opportunity and accountability. As interest in home gardening, food sovereignty, and ornamental landscaping grows among urban residents, the government has a responsibility to ensure that this enthusiasm does not become a backdoor for illegality or ecological harm. Strengthening checks on nursery operations, supporting genuine vendors, and increasing public awareness can together build a greener, fairer future for Salcete.
