PONDA: Shiroda is facing a major problem of unemployment. Besides this issue, around three kms of narrow stretch of roads on the National Highway from Borim is causing hardships to the residents.

The traffic island at Borim and the Bythocol roads have seen many fatal accidents. The roads cannot be widened due to the cluster of houses on both sides. The diversion of heavy traffic to Borim due to the weak Zuari bridge has not only increased the traffic in Ponda talukha but has also weaken the Borim bridge.

The issue Vanarmare tribals at Bethora has also attracted attention after Herald highlighted their plight following an attack on the huts by some anti-social elements who claimed they were a nuisance. Though the government has decided to give them voting rights and provided them electricity, their rehabilitation process is still awaited.

The plan to erect a bridge on the Rachol-Shiroda Ferry route had faced objections from people, specially on the Rachol side, claiming a bridge will destroy lot of heritage sites, including the Diocesan Seminary besides destroy the agricultural and fishing industry of the locals. A bridge at this site would cut short the distance from Shiroda to Margao by 10 kms.

Recently during Vijay Sankalp rally held in December at Shiroda, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has also said that the government should focus on a construction of a new bridge on the Zuari River as the existing Borim bridge has weakened.

Shiroda Constituency comprises of Borim, Bethora, Panchawadi, and Shiroda. Prior to Congress and BJP, MGP MLA Jaykrishna Shirodkar was elected. After him Babay Prabu of Bhausaheb Bandodkar Gomantak Paksh (BBGM) had been elected MLA of Shiroda. Later Congress Candidate Subhash Shirodkar ruled the constituency for four terms and also became a minister. He lost his seat in 2007 and 2012 to the Industries BJP minister Mahadev Naik who is attempting a hat-trick.

This time, however, Mahadev is facing Subhash Shirodkar (Congress) again, Abay Prabu (MGP) Molu Velip (AAP), and two Independents Nilesh Gaonkar and Diya Shetkar.

“I am 200% sure of victory. The roads and the infrastructure existing during the Congress regime have remained the same. People are fed up with the dadagiri of the sitting MLA who has failed to solve the employment problem for the past 10 years,” says Subhash.

“The youth have developed a strong resentment towards BJP who have lied to them promising them 50,000 jobs and now the people are waiting to teach them a lesson,” the former minister added and claimed he will win with 4,000 votes majority.

“There is no chance I will lose the battle. The voters are happy over my performance and the schemes and jobs provided to them. Due to my efforts, two industrial estates are already setting up plants which will provide jobs to local men and women,” says Mahadev who claims he will complete his hat-trick and expects to win by a margin of 5,000 votes.

Independent Candidates Nilesh Gaonkar and Diya Shetkar have also started their campaigns.

According to Borim villagers Sanjay Gavde, Shivdas Naik and Subash Naik, the traffic has increased tremendously over the last decade, putting stress on the narrow national highway as well as the Borim Bridge. 

“Due to constant traffic jams around Borim life has become difficult for us. Often we are not even able to cross the road during peak hours since the vehicles hardly observe rules for Zebra crossing,” the villagers said.

Frequent traffic jams make it difficult for villagers during emergency situations, such as shifting patients for medical attention, through 108 or private vehicles.