MARGAO: Residents and NGOs are raising their voices against the misuse of footpaths by vagrants for shelter and various other activities, demanding immediate action against those causing nuisance.
Auda Viegas, President of Bailancho Ekvott, highlighted the distressing sight of children begging on the streets and at traffic signals.
She described the condition around Margao railway station as appalling, stating, “Footpaths around the railway station are occupied by dwellers who engage in cooking, bathing, washing, drying clothes, defecating, erecting tents with mosquito nets, parking vehicles, and leaving the stretch filthy.”
Viegas further pointed out a similar situation near the Osia complex, where the ground designated for parking during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Goa, is occupied by families engaging in similar activities as those near the Margao Railway Station, including begging for alms and selling their wares at traffic signals.
“This also contributes to an increase in the number of beggars and the sale of unwanted items by the roadside. Public roads are intended for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, not for makeshift shelters and residences, which litter the area,” expressed Viegas, also raising concerns about the presence of children in these begging scenarios.
“The rise in women, girls and boys holding children while begging-what does it indicate? We, the people of India and Goa should never take part in what is illegal/unjust and evil for society,” she stressed. Caitan Fernandes, a Margao citizen, expressed shock at the lack of action and initiative from the concerned authorities to address the issue.
“It is the responsibility of local authorities to take regular action and ensure the safety of all individuals in the community,” Fernandes said.
