PANJIM: In a bid to facilitate smooth flow of traffic, the North Goa Planning and Development Authority on Thursday began a demolition drive from Sinquerim to Calangute Tinto. The demolition is being carried out as per the order dated August 17, 2016.
“Due to encroachment on public footpath by hawkers as well as the shopkeepers who display their goods on footpath and road widening area there is a problem faced by the general public,” says the order issued by NGPDA member secretary R K Pandita.
According to NGPDA the encroachments include signboards, compound wall, goods displayed on footpath and road widening area, which is reserved for parking.
“The above decision was taken for smooth movement of pedestrians and the locals as well as the tourists to have better comfort, which will also reduce traffic congestion,” the letter states.
NGPDA chairman and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo said that the demolition began on Thursday at Candolim and almost around 100 meters of road clearance has been completed. “The NGPDA will facilitate one side footpath and one side parking for smooth movement of traffic and pedestrians,” he said.
He stated that the road from Calangute to Sinquerim is encroached by establishments as well as residents, who have planted trees etc.
“As a result there is no place left for parking and people are forced to park on the road. NGPDA has taken cognizance of complaints from general public saying this causes chaos and mess on weekends during peak season,” he said.
Lobo said that the locals have cooperated with the demolition drive and there has been no untoward incident. Bardez Mamlatdar Madhu Narvekar visted site to take stock of the situation.
