Even as the construction of the elevated corridor along the NH 66 at Porvorim has been progressing at a rapid pace, safety remains a concern. The need for immediate and sustained safety provisions along the length of the highway where work is on even saw a public interest litigation being filed before the high court at Bombay at Goa last year.
The petitioner, who is an advocate by profession, started out by bringing to the court's attention that the work had caused severe congestion, particularly on the road between Guirim junction and the Mall de Goa. He thereafter told the court that trenches along the road had neither been barricaded nor were any warnings erected for the information of motorists, and suggested that barricading be placed between the entire length of the construction and the carriageway to ensure safety. Thereafter, the high court, in December last year, directed the government to submit a list to it of work that had been completed and work that was still pending with regard to the project.
A week before that, the government agencies concerned had met at the office of the advocate general, where it was recommended that some stretches of road at Porvorim be hot mixed, and that water be sprayed onto the roads frequently to ensure that dust particles didn't remain suspended in the air and pose risks to visibility and the health of motorists. It was also suggested that more signage and illumination be set up along the road and that ambulance vans and motorcycle ambulances be stationed at certain places, with signboards being set up at prominent spots displaying their location and contact numbers, should an emergency arise.
The petitioner has continued submitting a volley of suggestions to aid the high court in working out a practical solution to the safety concerns revolving around the Porvorim highway project. Among his key suggestions - which he arrived at following site inspections and photographic evidence - were the installation of signage and metal barricading with reflectors at all active work zones and around roadside debris. He also said no precast girder should be lifted or installed over a road on which traffic is in motion. Such work should be carried out only when the stretch concerned is completely shut and vehicles are directed to alternative routes, the petitioner maintained.
While the suggestions put forth before the high court are all valid and desperately needed to ensure that life is protected, it shouldn't have taken a public interest litigation to draw the attention of the government and the agencies concerned to the situation at hand. It is obvious that big-ticket projects, particularly those that could potentially risk the lives of several citizens, need to have all standard safety measures in place before construction work even begins.
Several nations, in fact, lay great emphasis on protecting life during the construction of any project - be it a bridge, a road or even a skyscraper - and if the proponents concerned are found to be neglecting this aspect or doing a half-hearted job where the implementation of safety measures are concerned, they are dealt with with an iron hand by the authorities. This includes anything from being slapped with a hefty fine to the imprisonment of those found to be responsible for exposing the common man to grave risks.
Endangering life while attempting to rapidly complete work before the onset of the monsoon is not an excuse. If the situation at Porvorim is presently uncomfortable along some stretches and downright dangerous at others, the problems will only get amplified once the rains do set in. This makes it all the more crucial for the contractor and all the government agencies concerned to put in place all the necessary safety arrangements - including proper barricading, well-surfaced roads, adequate water drainage facilities and the timely clearance of mounds of mud and debris to avoid the formation of slush on the roads.
Most importantly, these measures should be taken automatically, and not only after citizens approach the courts seeking remedies. Having the court intervene only reflects badly on the performance of both, the contractor and the government agencies involved with the project, which in turn reduces the faith of the public in them.
It is hoped that better sense prevails and that public well-being takes precedence over meeting deadlines where the Porvorim elevated corridor project, and every other major project for that matter,
is concerned.