People express safety and security concerns
The fire incident at Verla-Canca Vithal Mandir locality has exposed the problems of flourishing anti-social activities in the locality. The problem came to light after trees and bushes in an open property were allegedly set on fire at Verla Canca near Vithal Mandir. Locals have complained of unabated anti-social activities in the locality posing a threat to the safety and security of residents.
Fire spread rapidly engulfing eight trees and brushes around the area. A local resident witnessed the incident and immediately contacted the Mapusa fire department and extinguished the fire. The reason for the fire is still not known.
However, While the fire has been successfully doused, the fire has burnt a nearby Jamun tree and has weakened it. This poses a potential danger to the pedestrians and vehicles passing from the main road.
Fire personnel informed us that two more trees pose a risk to pedestrians as they could collapse at any time and need to be cut down immediately. “We do not have authority to cut standing trees, hence residents have to take external help for the same,” said a firefighter.
This situation has caused distress among locals as this route is a crucial passage connecting them to a nearby grocery store and further.
A local said that there have been reports of unruly and anti-social activities happening in this area, including drug abuse by youngsters. He further said that despite several complaints made to the police, the situation remains unchanged.
When Panch member Vishwas Arlekar was questioned he claimed that they had not received any complaints and advised residents to submit written complaints to the Panchayat for desired action. “We are here to address these concerns promptly.
