MAPUSA: With Christmas at the door steps, the weekly Friday market at Mapusa witnessed an overwhelming increase in traffic and dire shortage of parking space. The situation is almost the same during every festival including Ganesh and Diwali. The Mapusa traffic police do not make any special arrangement for smooth flow of traffic nor do government authorities want to find a permanent solution to this traffic and parking problem in the capital of Bardez.
“In view of Christmas festivities, a number of extra stalls are put up to sell Christmas goodies at the Friday market at Mapusa. The crowd surged as the day passed. However, there was no parking even for two-wheelers and it was impossible to find a parking place for four wheelers. I think Mapusa is the worst when it comes to traffic management as the municipality nor the MLA pay attention to this crucial problem,” Sachin Kinlekar, a Mapusa local said.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Amidst all this traffic chaos the absence of traffic personnel on the ground is absolutely shocking. This happens not only during weekly Friday market but also on festive days such as Christmas, Diwali and Ganesh Chaturthi.
Furthermore, the parking of two wheelers is such that it is not possible for customers to access the footpath and get to the shops or stalls. In fact, the traffic woes are just not exclusive to Christmas festivities, locals face the same issue during Ganesh and Diwali as well. “This happens every year, the authorities do not make adequate traffic management preparations ahead of festivals,” Kinlekar added.
Locals raised concerns about the Mapusa market’s preparedness for potential disasters, as emergency vehicles such as fire services and ambulance could face obstacles in accessing the vicinity. “What if there is a short circuit here? All the shops will go up in flames and the fire brigade won’t be able to get through,” Kinkekar said
Moreover, existing traffic signals and barricades appear ineffective in easing traffic congestion. Beyond traffic woes, the unsightly spread of garbage across town has become an eyesore for residents, accompanied by the unpleasant odour emanating from the accumulated waste.
