A tragic accident in Usgao has sparked a wave of anger and grief across Ponda, with locals taking to social media under the emotional slogan: “Repair roads before more sindoor is lost.” This comes after a 52-year-old man from Gogol, Margao, lost control of his two-wheeler late Monday night and died instantly after hitting a crater on the road.
The pothole that claimed his life was repaired only after the fatality, triggering outrage. “Why does the PWD only wake up after someone dies?” questioned many residents, demanding immediate repairs and accountability from the PWD engineers and contractors.
In 2023, Ponda taluka recorded 34 fatalities, and this year, road safety remains an escalating concern. At a recent gram sabha in Bethora, locals gave the authorities a one-week deadline to repair crater-ridden roads.
Residents compared the urgent need for road repairs to “Operation Sindoor”, arguing that the death of male breadwinners leaves families shattered—both emotionally and financially. “When a man leaves home, there’s no guarantee he’ll return alive,” said one local, summing up the anxiety many feel every day.
Activist Sandeep Parkar from Khandepar-Usgao said he has already sent a complaint to Town and Country Planning Minister Vishwajit Rane and Ponda PI, urging the registration of an FIR under Section 198A of the Motor Vehicles Act against the concerned engineers and contractors.
Suraj Garad, another resident, called for disciplinary action and suspension of negligent PWD officials. “There must be accountability—issue memos and take strict action,” he urged.
Local panch member Manisha Usgaonkar slammed the government for neglecting interior roads, especially in and around Usgao. Naresh Naik from Ponda also stressed the need for speed checks, visible speed-limit signage, and action against drunk driving using interceptors.