Vehicular traffic in Mapusa has increased substantially in recent years. Every month, around 1,400 to 1,500 vehicles are registered with the Mapusa Regional Transport Office (RTO). Even a casual look at these figures makes it evident that this rate of growth is simply unsustainable. With the volume of vehicles increasing, the traffic congestion is bound to become acute in the coming years.
Another problem arising from this ever-increasing vehicular traffic is air and sound pollution. This problem will keep getting worse if traffic congestion is not attended to urgently.
Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) Chairperson Roopa Bhakta stated that the MMC is seized with the lack of parking and traffic congestion in the town. She continued, “MMC has decided to reduce the width of the footpath from Union Pharmacy to the old Asilo Hospital, thereby creating parking space for vehicles. Additionally, since there is always a traffic jam near the court circle during peak hours, MMC has decided to widen the road and shift the kiosks elsewhere. The work of the new Kadamba bus stand has also begun. Once the bus stand becomes operational, the old Kadamba bus will be used for parking vehicles.”
Traffic Inspector of the Mapusa Traffic Cell, Roy Pereira, stated that to maintain traffic discipline, the cell requires the co-operation and support of MMC. He continued, “At most places in Mapusa, traffic signboards are missing or worn out, while at other places, there are improper signboards. Hence, motorists are unable to follow the rules and regulations, leading to chaos and lawlessness on the roads.
He added that his department has advised MMC to install traffic signals or re-paint the signboards as per the IRC/ Motor Vehicle Act to streamline vehicular traffic in Mapusa and to ensure discipline among the motorists.
Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar, during the inauguration of the new Mapusa municipal building recently, had advised MMC not to grant construction licenses until the builders made a provision for parking in the basement of the buildings. He added that basement parking would solve most of the town’s parking woes.
Social worker Philip D’Souza opined that stilt parking should be made compulsory for residential complexes and basements for commercial complexes in Mapusa. He continued, “MMC can also seek advice on parking facilities, like multilevel parking and other parking systems that are being adopted in other parts of the country. If these measures are implemented, then air and sound pollution as well as traffic congestion will drop considerably.”
