Team Herald
PANJIM: Abandoned cars, bikes and other automobiles have turned into a nuisance as they continue to occupy prime parking spaces in the capital city. Among the violators include several private owners and government departments.
Several such vehicles have been rusting for months together thereby occupying important public spaces in Panjim but have also turned into a health hazard, stated Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) and expressed concern that they could also be a source of mosquito breeding, fire hazards and hide-out for anti-social elements.
In a letter to the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Commissioner Clen Madeira, the GOACAN has submitted photographs of some of these vehicles located at the Patto parking area wherein a cursory glance gives a poor impression of the arrangements made by the CCP to collect fees through the pay parking contractor.
The GOACAN found out that there is no mechanism in place for the pay parking contractor of the CCP to report on a weekly basis that there are abandoned vehicles in the designated parking areas nor is the traffic police and the Directorate of Transport being informed of the same.
The GOACAN is of the view that at a time when crime is on the increase in the State, it is important that proper steps are taken to report abandoned vehicles to the appropriate authorities so that the necessary action is taken in the matter. It is also important that a fine be imposed on those government departments and private parties who have abandoned their vehicles in the pay parking areas.
The GOACAN has requested the CCP Commissioner to convene a joint meeting of the officials of the Directorate of Transport, Goa Traffic Police, Directorate of Health Services, Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, District Police and the pay parking contractor to work out a reporting mechanism for abandoned vehicles so that timely action is taken by all concerned in the interest of proper parking and traffic management in the Panjim city.
Copies of the GOACAN letter have been sent to the North Goa Collector, Director of Transport, Urban Development, Fire and Emergency Services and Consumer Affairs, Deputy Director of NVBDCP, Superintendent of Police (SP)North and SP (Traffic).
Defaulters to be re-issued notices
It may be recalled that in November 2024, the North Goa District Magistrate’s office issued a proclamation to auction unclaimed vehicles in a bid to free up parking spaces and eliminate potential mosquito breeding ground. The notices had called upon persons with interest in any abandoned or unattended vehicles located in Bardez and Tiwadi to submit their claims within six months to respective Deputy Collector or Sub Divisional Magistrate offices. Sources revealed that notices were issued to violators who had abandoned vehicles for a long time however the efforts to clear parking spaces are in vain.
It is reportedly learnt that the Transport Dept is likely to re-issue notices to defaulters and is considering over reducing the six-month waiting period for claims, ensuring that such vehicles do not choke parking spaces in future.