SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024
The Government of Goa has taken the easy way out by insensitively converting major district roads into national highways. The highways as a matter of fact avoid crowded habitats, displacement and relocation by diversions and provide sound barriers.
This step is only unprecedented in India and jeopardises safety, protection, and noise pollution to the locals. Instead of provisions of under pass overbridges traffic and signals, the PWD is on a merry ride decorating the national highway with rumblers. It is scientifically suggested that these are a positive health hazard like spinal injuries and are to be avoided. Rumblers are the cause of serious accidents to two-wheeler riders, besides generating noise pollution of indescribable magnitude.
The two-wheeler riders to avoid rumblers encroach on the footpath meant for pedestrians creating another potential safety threat. The overtaking on the rumblers at high speed and not respecting the measure is not being monitored for punitive action. The non-maintenance of visibility of rumblers poses even a greater threat. The cautionary boards displayed without blinkers serve no purpose.
The government arrogantly refuses for alternative bypass quoting Centre’s directives and inability to exercise their will and at least insists on signals with CCTV cameras to reign in errant riders.
