MARGAO: The footpath stretch from ESI Hospital to Rawanfond, leading to the Konkan Railway Station, has turned into a ground for dumping waste.
The discarded waste at the site is often set on fire. This air pollution poses a health risk to daily commuters. The Margao Municipal Council’s inaction and negligence have forced pedestrians to walk on the road, putting their lives at risk despite the presence of a designated footpath.
The lack of enforcement has exacerbated the inconvenience and safety risks for the public.
It is pertinent to note that in the past, citizens had demanded that authorities initiate measures to clear the footpath. Miscreants continue to dump waste, including wood and other material, and set the same on fire.
In the past, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is on record stating that the stretch of road from ESI Hospital to Rawanfond would be beautified. He had even launched the beautification works and despite these efforts, waste dumping and fires continue at the site.
“After one-and-a-half years, we are noticing that incidents of waste dumping and fires on the footpath have increased,” alleged Savio Coutinho, a Margao resident.
He questioned the government’s beautification efforts and said, “It appears that all such works floated and not executed, are merely to provide contractors with a basis for claiming rate enhancements, resulting in the original estimate to double.”
Sanjay Naik, another resident, said that the pathetic conditions have brought shame to the locals.
“We must keep in mind that the Konkan Railway Station is located here, and thousands of travellers and visitors enter Margao. However, what they encounter is garbage dumped on the footpath and the waste set on fire,” he said.
According to him, the authorities and government must take this issue seriously to ensure that the area is maintained.
