PONDA: Instead of constructing a new shed to replace the 30-year-old shed at the KTC Bus Stand Ponda, the authorities have barricaded the place and declared it unsafe, leaving commuters to bear the scorching sun and winds.
The KTC authorities have erected barriers and put up ‘danger warning’ notices asking commuters not to enter the shed saying the premises are structurally unsafe.
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It’s months now the KTC Bus stand shed meant for commuters to take rest or shelter from sun and rain has been in danger of collapsing and the authorities despite being warned by NGOs and other concerned citizens did not bother to either carry out repairs or construct a new shed.
This move of barricading the entrances to the bus stand by the KTC authorities has forced the locals as well as interstate passengers to stand and wait for buses under the open sky facing the scorching summer heat. After facing the vagaries of nature and the scorching summer heat, the commuters are thinking ahead wondering what will be their state once the monsoon begins.
“Bearing the scorching summer heat now is so difficult Now after facing one month of summer heat under the open sky, and sometimes unseasonal rain and gusty winds, we are more worried about the trouble awaiting us once the monsoon arrives, since not shelter is constructed for the passengers,” said a commuter from outside the State who did not want to disclose his name.
Passengers travelling from this bus stand said it’s over a month now KTC bus shed is barricaded from all sides. However, there is no sign of repair nor any declaration is made to construct a new shed for the 30-year-old shed at the KTC Bus Stand.
When inquired, the staff of the KTC Control room on duty at the KTC bus stand said they have no idea whether the KTC bus shed will be repaired or a new one will be constructed.
One motorcycle pilot operating at KTC bus stand said, “It’s a total negligence by the authorities towards passengers at the Ponda KTC Bus Stand. Some passengers stand under the shade of trees to protect from the scorching heat and sunlight, while some passengers are seen covering their faces with scarf, handkerchiefs and dupattas to save them from heat. Despite having plenty of land in KTC possession no efforts are being made to erect temporary shed for passengers.”
The aged/senior citizens and children are suffering the most as most of shops operating in KTC bus stand are closed down since the shed is barricaded from all sides.
It may be recalled that the government had constructed the KTC Bus Stand in 1991 at a playground named Subashchandra Bose Ground. The youth used to play football and cricket at the site. Later the KTC Bus Stand was constructed. But since last 30 years there was no maintenance work done at KTC Bus stand. Due to lack of maintenance, the part of shed structures and beams were exposed to rain leading to its condition deteriorating and it could collapse any time, said another local from Ponda.
Two years back a portion of beam had collapsed and one passenger was injured. Not only the KTC Bus stand shed structure turned dangerous but the Bus Parking areas roads leading to KTC are also in worst condition with huge potholes seen on road and parking area.
