Santosh Naik
PONDA: The traffic nightmare at Kavlem in Pondataluka appears to be far from over. The village, which is home to the famous Shantadurga Temple, has borne the brunt of severe traffic jams over the past few days owing to Navratri celebrations and continues to reel under the problem as a permanent solution remains elusive.
Exasperated locals have now suggested that the dilapidated tourist complex in the village be demolished to free up 4,000 square metres of space that could be used as a much-needed parking zone.
The complex, which consists of tourist dormitories and even a hotel, was constructed by the state government 25 years ago, but was abandoned barely a few years after it was built. It is located along an internal lane that connects to the Dhavlim-Farmagudi bypass road, but is presently enveloped by large trees and thick foliage.
“Considering the parking problem and major traffic congestion we witness not only during festivals but also during marriages and other celebrations at the temple, the old tourist complex in our village should be demolished to make way for a parking facility,” said RamdasNaik, a villager.
The locals’ views have been endorsed by power minister and Marcaim MLA RamkrishnaDhavalikar, who, when contacted, said that the tourist complex would be demolished to develop parking slots for at least 100 vehicles. He also said toilet facilities would be created for tourists and bus drivers there.
In fact, KavlemsarpanchManujaNaik said the panchayat has been passing resolutions over the past decade demanding that the site of the tourist complex be put to optimum use to benefit the villagers. The demand is now likely to become a reality.
