TEAM HERALD
DIVAR: Early morning commuters from the island of Divar had a difficult time crossing over Monday morning as the ferry services were temporarily suspended due to thick fog, bringing into sharp focus, the need for a bridge for Divar.
Ferry services on both the routes – Divar to Old Goa and Divar to Sao Pedro, were temporarily suspended for more than two hours due to blinding fog over the river. The fog was so thick that the other bank of the river Mandovi was not visible and the ferryboats staff did not want to risk a collusion while crossing the river. Some of the commuters said the visibility was less than 10 metres.
The temporary suspension of ferry service led to serpentine vehicle queues on both ferry ramps in Divar as hundreds of two and four wheelers were stranded.
Office goers, and especially school children were the most affected as they had to wait till the fog thinned out to some extent and the ferry staff could navigate due to improved visibility. Parents were worried as the children had to reach school since most of them are answering their exams, including the Class X students who are giving their second formative test. Sources said most of the children reached their respective schools late.
This situation has brought to the fore the issue of a bridge connecting Divar island to the mainland. Presently there is a signature campaign going on to urge the authorities to construct a bridge to connect the island to the mainland. There is some opposition to the proposal though most of the islanders are in favour of the bridge. Many of the residents say that those opposing are not even living in Divar and yet they oppose a bridge that could rid the island of almost all the transportation challenges facing it right now.
