TEAM HERALD
CANACONA: The day-long trees chopping exercise by fire service personnel on Sunday threw the highway traffic in disarray, as hundreds of vehicles were seen lined up on either side of Canacona section of NH17.
The fire personnel began chopping trees at Char-Rasta near Power Station, as part of disaster management plan to clear any visible hindrances along the highway.
While trees were being felled, the highway traffic was initially diverted via Devabhaga at Char-Rasta (from Canacona side) and at Gulem (near Hotel Sudarshan) from Margao side.
However, due to the narrow Devabaga internal road, frequent traffic chaos was seen throughout the diversion route, with long queues and blockades on either sides.
Interestingly, with no one present to divert the traffic, concerned public were seen putting up diversion boards at Char-Rasta.
According to fire personnel, over 25 trees were cut alone on Sunday from Power Station (Char-Rasta) to Nagarcem of NH-17 section.
Fire personnel reportedly acting on the directions of Taluka Disaster Management Committee commenced chopping the trees at Karmalghat section since two days ago.
According to sources, about 100 trees believed to threaten highway traffic will be taken up for cutting by Canacona Fire Services personnel from Karmalghat to Polem section of NH-17.
