MARGAO: Despite repeated demands, the Arlem-Nuvem bypass remains unlit, resulting in frequent accidents and illegal dumping of garbage and rubble along the roadside.
The dumping of garbage, including chicken waste, under the cover of darkness, has led to pollution of agricultural fields adjacent to the bypass, impacting the livelihoods of farmers who depend on them.
Constructed a decade ago and subsequently widened, the Arlem-Nuvem Bypass still lacks streetlights, putting commuters at risk daily. Trucks and reckless drivers often speed down the dark, twisty road with headlights on high beam, blinding oncoming motorists.
A visit to the bypass revealed that many farmers who used to sell freshly picked vegetables along the roadside are now unable to conduct their business due to the unbearable stench. Some have even given up vegetable cultivation due to pollution caused by the dumping of rotting wet garbage and animal carcasses.
Rita Faleiro, a farmer, highlighted the plight of nearly 100 affected farmers due to the absence of illumination on the bypass.
“The entire stretch of the bypass is littered with chicken waste, and now debris is also being dumped on the roadsides. There is no monitoring of illegal activities. Our fields are being contaminated, farmers find it difficult to even access them,” she lamented.
Rosario Fernandes, a resident of Arlem, criticised the authorities for their failure to illuminate the bypass despite numerous requests from locals and the farming community.
“Road users now avoid the shortcut at night for their safety. Vehicles often veer off the road due to disorientation caused by the darkness. Given its busy nature, the authorities should have addressed this issue seriously,” he emphasised.
In November 2022, a joint inspection was conducted from Arlem Circle to Nuvem, with assurances from the Power Department and the National Highway Authority of India regarding the installation of streetlights. However, years have passed without any progress on fulfilling these promises.
