PONDA: The recent shootout wherein an Usgao resident was seriously injured by bike-borne assailants and the increasing number of accidents reported at the Bethora junction, the locals of Bethora have reiterated their demand that a flyover be built near the junction, which has turned into a black spot.
It may be recalled that on Friday, Sachin Kurtikar, who was riding on a scooter, sustained serious injuries after being shot by assailants. The incident sent shock waves across the State with citizens raising concerns over the deteriorating law and order in Goa. A few years ago, a traffic police sub-inspector also died in an accident at the same spot. It is pertinent to note that heavy traffic has increased at this junction with the locals demanding the construction of a flyover at the spot.
The Bethora gram sabha had earlier adopted a resolution to install a signal or construct a flyover to ease the traffic near the junction but to no avail.
In 2012, a sub-inspector riding on motorcycle died after being hit by a heavy vehicle near the junction. The sub-inspector on duty was on his way to take action against a motorist who had violated traffic rules. At that time, the Ponda Police had registered a murder case against the truck driver.
Besides the increasing number of accidents, the stray cattle menace continues to haunt motorists plying on the route. The Bethora panchayat has installed special CCTV cameras after noticing people dumping by the roadside near the junction. However, this move has proved to be effective to some extent, as dumping of garbage by the road side has stopped at least for now.
In the Bethora shootout case the police found that the CCTV cameras installed near the junction were switched off. Police inquiry revealed that the CCTV cameras were rendered defunct due non-payment of internet bills, which hindered the probe.
Bethora sarpanch Madhu Khandeparkar informed that gram sabha had adopted a resolution to install signals at the dangerous junction or to construct a flyover.
The said resolution was sent to the department concerned but till now no decision has been taken.
Also the road widening work at Bonbag poses a threat to the locals especially students of Government Primary School located nearby. The PWD officials said that there is an urgent need to take measures to ensure the safety of the locals and children.
Vinod Bhanushali, who works in the Bethora industrial estate, said workers are facing a dangerous situation at Bethora Junction while proceeding to work. Due to the frequent accidents, there is an urgent need to construct a flyover or install traffic signals at the site.
