PONDA: Locals have called for increased safety measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras, deployment of home guards at Dhavalimjunction and repairs of streetlights on the accident-prone Dhavalim-Farmagudi bypass road.
Residents are concerned about the defunct streetlights that leave the Dhavalim-Farmagudi bypass connecting Ponda to Margao, in complete darkness at night. The 2 km stretch of this four-lane National Highway often remains poorly lit, with only a few lights operational. This has raised significant safety concerns, particularly in light of recent thefts.
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Dhavalim local Vinod Chimulkarhighlighted the risks faced by senior citizens who walk along this road in the evenings. He expressed concern over a recent theft where an elderly woman was robbed of gold ornaments worth Rs 5 lakh.
He also highlighted a fatal accident at Dhavalim junction and recent accidents involving cattle squatting on the road, which have resulted in injuries and deaths. Chimulkar stressed the urgent need for CCTV surveillance, repair of streetlights, and the presence of home guards at the junction before the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Chimulkarfurther said, “As people leave their homes during the Chaturthi festival, it is crucial for the police to monitor for suspicious gatherings to prevent potential break-ins and thefts.”
Another local, KisanNaik added, “At night, most of the road remains in darkness, forcing motorists to rely solely on their headlights while navigating the winding stretch. Stray cattle also pose a danger to bikers.”
He further noted that the service roads at Dhavalim and the Kapileshwari underpass junction are similarly unlit, with no functioning street lights.
Locals are urging the government to address these issues by improving illumination along the service roads on the Dhavalim-Farmagudi bypass.
