ASSAGAO: The Assagao Panchayat has taken steps to permanently close an accident-prone road at Sonar Khet by moving the Collector to denotify the area. The road, initially notified as a one-way route to ease traffic flow, had become a cause for concern due to violations and accidents.
Former Minister Dayanand Mandrekar had initiated the construction of the one-way road by clearing a small hillock. Despite being designated as a one-way route, miscreants were seen defacing the signboard and locals and tourists continued taking the no-entry road. While traffic policemen were posted there to fine violators, locals claimed that the traffic police were harassing tourists and locals alike and stopping them and imposing fines for petty reasons.
During a ‘Sarkar Tumchya Dari’ program in Mapusa, the Assagao Sarpanch, Hanumant Naik, raised the issue with the then PWD minister, Nilesh Cabral. Following discussions, it was decided to approach the Collector to denotify the road and address the concerns raised by the community.
The denotification process is currently in its final stages, and the Assagao panchayat is working towards closing the road permanently.
The proposed solution involves erecting temporary barricades and widening the alternate road to accommodate two-way traffic. The decision to close one road permanently aims to enhance safety and traffic management in the area.
While the file is currently with the PWD, the denotification has received initial approval from the previous Collector, Mamu Hage.
