PONDA: It’s been two days since ghastly accident occurred on the Banastarim bridge, but the aftershocks of the tragedy is still being felt in the vicinity.
Scared and angry, the local residents criticised the government and held it responsible for this fatal accident by saying that it failed to continue with the drive against drunken driving, which was initiated by it.
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Many of them demanded 24-hour CCTV surveillance system and also greater deployment of traffic police personnel on weekends. According to the locals, there was no traffic constable deputed around the Banastarim bridge, when the accident occurred on Sunday night.
Social worker from Ponda,Viraj Sapre said that he was still shocked over the horrific incident.
“Now, there is a lot of discussion happening on who caused the accident. Had the government installed CCTV cameras near the bridge, it would have been crystal clear, who was responsible for this tragedy. It would have made the work of police easier,” Sapre said.
According to Sapre, he has been demanding for CCTV cameras on main roads and junctions.
“However, the government failed to do so. Having CCTV cameras may not prevent crime, but it can definitely help in identifying the culprits involved in crimes and accidents,” he said.
Vishal Fadte from Ponda said that the police are only seen issuing challans and there is no proper attention to traffic control.
“Police should strictly monitor drunken driving instances by conducting on-the-spot alcohol test, especially during the weekends and public holidays when there is increased vehicular traffic and liquor consumption. Sadly, most of the policemen are off-duty during this time, when people are in party mood and instances of drunken driving are much more,” Fadte said.
