MARGAO: The footpaths in Margao, which were constructed and paved with interlocking tiles, have deteriorated at several locations, causing significant inconvenience to pedestrians. Citizens have now requested the Margao Municipal Council to repair the footpaths before any injuries occur. Many express anger over the perceived lack of action by the civic body to address the issue and carry out the necessary repairs.
Notably, the Supreme Court of India has emphasized the prioritization of pedestrians and their rights, giving them utmost importance. However, the condition of footpaths in the commercial town of Margao has become a major problem, with little willingness shown to address the inconvenience faced by pedestrians.
Observations reveal that interlocking bricks have given way at various places, including around the Grace Church area, opposite the South Goa Police Headquarters, Old Market, and around New Market. Another is the illegal parking of vehicles on the pedestrian walkways along the stretch opposite the Hindu Pharmacy Road. Tourists and pedestrians are forced to step onto the busy road and dodge traffic to navigate their way around these vehicles. No action has been taken against these violations thus far.
Agnelo Fernandes, a vendor in Margao, expressed frustration over the broken footpath pavers, stating that pedestrians, especially senior citizens, face difficulties due to the hazardous conditions. He urged the civic body to urgently address the matter and prioritize pedestrian safety.
Near the police headquarters, broken interlocking bricks have made the footpaths dangerous to walk on. These footpaths are frequented by hundreds of students and parents on their way to school and back. “The quality of the interlocking brick work appears substandard, as the conditions have deteriorated within a few months,” alleged Sonali Naik, a parent. She further noted that at several locations, the footpath has broken and developed openings into the drains below.
