A tragic incident in Cotarli, Sanguem, has sparked outrage among local residents after 57-year-old Prakash Gaonkar fell into an open canal, highlighting the dangerous lack of protective barriers. The incident, has reignited longstanding demands for safety measures along the canal, with residents warning they will block the road in protest if their concerns are not addressed.
Vital Gaonkar, the local panch, stated that over the past decade, there have been at least 10 to 15 drowning deaths in the canal. Despite multiple notifications to the government, no action has been taken to install protective barriers or railings, leaving the area dangerously unprotected. "With a school just 50 meters from the canal, this poses a severe threat to the safety of our children," a local added.
The community's frustration is compounded by years of empty promises from authorities. More than three years ago, assurances were made to put up railings along the canal, but no progress has been made sense then. As the demand for action grows louder, locals are calling on the government to take immediate steps to prevent further tragedies.