PONDA: The charred remains of a roadside tree, a casualty of the extensive fire at the Dhavali scrapyard, now present a significant hazard to pedestrians and commuters along the Ponda-Margao stretch of the state highway.
Local residents urgently called upon the authorities to address the safety risks posed by the precarious tree.
Recalling the devastating fire incident on May 5, 2023, which engulfed the entire scrapyard situated adjacent to the highway, it’s evident that the fire’s reach extended to nearby areas, scorching even a parked truck and the adjacent tree. The severity of the blaze necessitated the closure of the NH stretch for two to three days, with traffic rerouted via the Bethora-Borim bypass.
Concerns now mount among locals, fearing that the completely dried-up tree, weakened by the inferno, may collapse imminently, particularly with the onset of the approaching rainy season.
Daily commuter Umesh Naik emphasizes the potential for fatal accidents should the tree fall onto the main road. He urged concerned authorities to intervene swiftly, directing the removal of the tree to safeguard commuters’ safety.
