PANAJI: Taking strong exception to the lack of basic safety infrastructure along a busy pedestrian stretch in the capital, the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) has issued direct recommendations to multiple government bodies to immediately install CCTV cameras, ensure street lighting, and step up police patrolling near the Patto foot overbridge.
The directive follows a complaint filed by Panaji resident Niveditha R, who highlighted that the public pathway running from the footpath opposite Sesa Ghor at Patto leading to the foot overbridge up to Rua de Ourem lacks both streetlights and security cameras. The complainant pointed out that the stretch is heavily used by school children, office commuters, and residents day and night. Due to the absence of lighting and surveillance, the area has turned into a “blind spot” exploited by anti-social elements, leading to safety hazards for women and children, including reported instances of child molestation and sexual assault.
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In its inquiry report issued on September 25, 2026, the three-member bench comprising Chairperson Justice Bharat P. Deshpande, Member-I Desmond D’Costa, and Member-II Pramod V. Kamat noted that the inaction of public authorities severely compromises the basic human rights and safety of citizens using the pathway. The bench observed that none of the key public departments—including the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), the Superintendent of Police (North), Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), and the Electricity Department—had filed replies to the commission’s notices. Furthermore, SP North remained absent despite being served notices twice.
To immediately safeguard pedestrians, the GHRC issued key directives to the involved public authorities:
- IPSCDL (Smart City): The Managing Director has been recommended to immediately install CCTV security surveillance cameras along the entire pedestrian pathway from Patto (opposite Sesa Ghor) to Rua de Ourem.
- Electricity Department: The Chief Electrical Engineer has been directed to install and commission street lighting along the footbridge and its approach pathway.
- Goa Police: The Superintendent of Police (North) has been instructed to initiate frequent foot patrolling and deploy patrol cars and beat police officers regularly, both day and night.
Under Section 18(e) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the commission has forwarded the inquiry report to all respondent authorities. The departments have been given a strict deadline of 30 days—on or before October 27, 2026—to submit their official comments along with an Action Taken Report (ATR) detailing steps taken to secure the area.
