MARGAO: The tragic accident that claimed the life of a woman on Tuesday, as a tree branch fell on her at Navelim junction, has ignited outrage among citizens and the Green Goa Foundation (GGF). Both have raised their voices against the authorities’ failure to take timely action in trimming and cutting hazardous roadside trees, despite previous written requests.
Raison Almeida, Chairman of GGF, strongly criticised the government authorities for their negligence and inefficiency, asserting that the incident was a direct result of their inaction. Almeida revealed that he had filed numerous complaints regarding perilous trees along National Highway 66, but these concerns went unaddressed by the concerned authorities.
It has come to GGF’s attention that a significant number of trees and branches along National Highway 66 pose a significant risk, as they are dangerously hanging over the road, with the potential to fall at any moment, endangering commuters’ lives.
Laying blame on the authorities for the tragic incident in Navelim, Almeida emphasised that the authorities had failed to take appropriate and effective measures despite multiple complaints, some dating back to 2011. These concerns were also highlighted in various newspapers over the years, drawing attention to the dangers posed by the trees planted along the highway. On July 11, 2022, O Heraldo had also reported on the tree branches hanging dangerously over the Margao to Canacona highway.
In response to the recent incident, Almeida has once again written to the Chief Minister and all relevant authorities, underscoring their failure to address the issue, which has now resulted in the loss of an innocent life.
Immediately after the incident, many people gathered at the accident site. One local resident, Bidesh Amonker, accused the concerned department of neglecting the growing branches, despite reminders from the community. Furthermore, angry residents have criticised the local MLA for not taking prompt action, despite complaints about the authorities’ failure to trim the overhanging tree branches.
They threatened to block NH 66 if the authorities did not take immediate action.
Avito Fernandes, a resident of Navelim, condemned the authorities’ negligence and demanded compensation for the family of the deceased woman.
Meanwhile, the South Goa District Collector has issued directives to chop or prune the dangerous trees at Navelim. He said that the office had previously issued orders regarding the trimming and cutting of hazardous roadside trees.
Tree branch falls on moving two-wheeler, 59-year-old Sarzora woman killed
MARGAO: A woman from Sarzora lost her life as a tree branch collapsed onto her two-wheeler at Navelim Junction. The victim, Odilia Mascarenhas, 59, was travelling to drop her daughter to college when the branch fell on them. She sustained a severe head injury and was pronounced dead upon her arrival at the South Goa District Hospital. The incident further exacerbated the heavy morning traffic congestion on the Navelim road, which delayed the arrival of the ambulance on the scene.
Odilia’s 29-year-old daughter who was riding pillion was also injured in the incident. Although the daughter was initially admitted to the South Goa District Hospital, she has since been discharged after receiving medical attention.
Despite Odilia wearing a helmet, she suffered grievous head injuries.
According to sources, the woman had stopped at Navelim due to traffic congestion on her route. When the traffic cleared, she resumed her journey towards Margao, when the tree branch fell on her, crushing the two-wheeler to the ground.
Margao police have confirmed that, as of now, no formal offence has been registered. The case has been filed under Section 174 of the CrPC, as an unnatural death.
