MARGAO: Over three weeks after the overzealous pre-monsoon tree trimming across Margao, the sodden branches strewn along the footpath at Fatorda, inconveniencing pedestrians, were finally removed late Tuesday evening.
This delay reflects a failure in ensuring public safety and maintaining civic amenities, said frustrated citizens who had threatened to block the road if the trimmed tree branches were not promptly removed.
Speaking to reporters, a group of citizens conveyed their frustration, stating that they have no other recourse but to take matters into their own hands. The entire stretch from the entry point of the South Goa Planning and Development Authority (SGPDA) to the swimming pool opposite Ravindra Bhavan in Margao was cluttered with tree branches that were trimmed by the contractor over 25 days ago. Not only are pedestrians forced to dodge traffic and walk on the main road but leaving piles of plant debris to rot on the footpaths for weeks have made them dangerously slippery, and in need of a thorough scrubbing, they pointed out.
The delayed clearance of these trimmed branches highlights a clear lapse in maintenance and timely action by the responsible authorities.
Damodar Shirodkar, Chairperson of the Margao Municipal Council, had stated that the contractor responsible for trimming the trees is obligated to clear the footpaths once the work is completed.
Despite this assurance, the messy condition of the footpaths persists in the area.
Milagres Fernandes, a resident of Fatorda, has accused the contractor of neglecting their responsibility to clear the footpath. Fernandes stated emphatically, “It is the responsibility of the contractor concerned to clear the footpath and ensure it is accessible for pedestrians. Footpaths are intended for walking, not for dumping branches of trees or any other debris.”
Salvador Noronha, another resident, called on the South Goa Collector to take action against the contractor responsible for failing to clear the footpath of tree branches. “It is quite surprising that no
political leader from Fatorda has voiced concerns about this mess. Even the civic body has failed to address the issue, despite the inconvenience caused to pedestrians,” Noronha stated.
