Team Herald
Ponda: With just five days left for the Ganesh Festival, which will be celebrated on September 7, the people of Goa are in a festive mood, busy with shopping, preparing sweets, decorating their homes, and painting. However, devotees are increasingly concerned about the potholes and craters that mar some arterial roads in Ponda Taluka, as conditions have deteriorated significantly. In some areas, devotees must navigate around these obstacles, making travel quite challenging.
Before taking their seats in fully decorated Makhars, the craters and pothole-ridden roads will be the first to greet them, a consequence of inadequate maintenance by the administration. When filled with muddy rainwater, it becomes difficult to gauge the depth of these hazards. Many internal roads in various villages are similarly afflicted, with numerous potholes and craters. Many devotees purchase new cars during the festival muhurat, and as they transport the Bappa idol to their homes, both the devotees and the idol will endure a bumpy ride.
The roads were excavated for underground power cabling and, in some villages, for sewerage networks, but they have not been restored properly. Some roads that were recently tarred have washed away in heavy rains, leading locals to blame contractors for substandard work. The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued notices to contractors responsible for newly tarred roads in Kavlem and Upper Bazaar, Ponda, which deteriorated shortly after being completed in May and June. Despite repairs, these roads have again developed potholes and craters, complicating travel for commuters.
The one-kilometer stretch of Bethora main road in the Shiroda Constituency, starting from the main road junction to the village, is in particularly poor condition, filled with craters and potholes that make travel difficult. This road not only leads to the village but also to the Bethora Industrial Estate, yet it remains severely damaged. Half of the road's width is completely compromised, forcing commuters to navigate the remaining portion in better condition. Even pedestrians are avoiding the potholes. A trench has also developed at the site, raising concerns about the road's integrity. Drivers attempt to stay on the better side of the road, but those on the wrong side must contend with the potholes.
The roads at Galashirem, Kavlem, and Undir Ramnathi in the Marcaim constituency, which were dug for development work, are also in dire condition, with potholes reappearing despite previous repairs. Internal roads in Curti, Ponda Constituency, are similarly afflicted, and the Upper Bazaar road in Ponda City has become bumpy and dotted with potholes.
Vishal Fadte from Ponda emphasized that the government must ensure that the roads are in better condition for taxpayers, especially during the festival season. He noted that many roads require urgent repairs; otherwise, how can people enjoy the festival while traveling on such poor roads? He stressed that cosmetic repairs will not suffice; quality work is essential.
Rocky Dias from Khandepar pointed out that the lack of a gutter system on both sides of the road allows rainwater to flow onto the roads, further damaging them. He called for immediate attention to be given to establishing a proper gutter system.