This may sound shocking but for locals in the surrounding area, they were left with no choice. Even though the Anmod to Goa under-construction road was washed away and closed for traffic, light vehicles still travelled on this route at their own risk.
And they were not just dealing with the latest events only. Moreover, locals and those of surrounding areas including Anmod Ghat, Ramnagar Belgaum have been facing hardships for the last six months. They complained that their business has suffered losses on account of the closure of the Anmod – Goa route due to the ongoing widening of the highway. The locals depend on the transportation of vegetables, goods and other commodities besides needing to cross the border for work. The tourism industry also took a hit as the route is frequented by domestic and foreign tourists.
The Anmod to Goa road is around 8 km and the widening work has been delayed due to the heavy rains. The businessmen from Ramnagar and Anmod have been demanding that the widening work is completed at the earliest and that the route be open for traffic.
Against the backdrop of the Chorla Ghat being closed due to heavy rains and landslides and flooding in other parts of Goa, these locals were put in a tight spot as they had to cross the border and taking a flight would have been too expensive and there were fears of taking the train as well.
They feared that their livelihoods would have to take another setback; they decided to open the blockades even huge boulders on the highway. Light vehicles such as two-wheelers and small sized four-wheelers began to use the highway thereafter. This took place, even though the authorities had closed the road for commuter and transportation. While the Collem Police rushed to the spot and patrolled the route since it was being used by these vehicles, the Karnataka authorities stopped traffic again citing that the road was too dangerous to ply on. This decision was welcome by sections of society who feared what would happen if there was any untoward incident and how it would hamper any rescue activity and moreover put the lives of the drivers at risk. It was also learnt that there were many obstacles on this path due to uprooted tree and loose mud was found on the under-construction road due to the heavy rains. With the Chorla Ghat being reopened for traffic, commuters heaved a sigh of relief but the problems with Anmod Ghat still remain. Locals add that they are still facing great inconvenience given that this route to Belgaum was used often by Goans for work, shopping, trade and even for the student community based in Karnataka.
