The Margao traffic cell is regulating and enforcing the helmet compulsion and other laws amidst acute staff shortage. The Margao traffic cell is understaffed by almost fifty per cent. However, the foot soldiers- the traffic constables are short by 41. Of the sanctioned 58, merely 17 constables are on duty in the entire town of Margao.
However, for now the shortage has been filled by the Goa Home Guards, sadly not to the tune of the increasing vehicular traffic in the town and suburban localities. The number of critical traffic congestion points in the town has also increased, and so has the need for staff.
The present sanctioned strength of staff for the traffic cell is 80, out of which only 48 constables are actual field staff. However, retirement and transfers have reduced the number of constables and lady constables to 17 from a sanctioned strength of 58 in this category of traffic foot soldiers. The cell has now been given Home Guards which are only useful for traffic management job. Margao being the commercial capital and the largest market for South Goa sees many people come to the town choking the roads even more.
A high ranked officer in the traffic cell has taken a dig at the other related Government departments, which share equal traffic responsibility. “The traffic cell of the police is the educating and regulating mechanism. The Road Transport Office is the enforcement authority when it comes to laws like helmet compulsion and other traffic laws, but there is little co-operation from the RTO in this sector”.
The traffic cell team leaves the office at 7.30 am to man the roads which have frequent traffic congestion. It is also known that the subordinates have to undergo more than 8 hours of duty. The maximum number of constables is deployed to the 12-odd congestion points twice a day. The congestion at the Nuvem bypass and the power house junction has added to the load.
Presently, the work of laying of sewage pipelines is currently underway in Margao. Many people are seen complaining of traffic congestion and dust all over the place. Many allotted Home Guards are seen controlling the vehicular traffic at these points hence creating a deficiency of staff at other major congestion points.
The Police Inspector of Margao Traffic Cell Pramod Shirwaikar agreed to the fact that the strength of the traffic cell is not at par with the increasing vehicular load on the town. He also said that the cell is on its toes to curb the traffic problem and enforcement. It is known that regular transfers of traffic cell personnel and slow reinstatements have also been worrying the cell and putting load on the existing employees.
The police inspector has appealed to all the stakeholders including the people to help the cell to help them better. DySP of Traffic, Margao wasn’t available for reactions till late evening as he was busy in a meeting in the police headquarters.
However, helmet sales have gone up, anticipating strict enforcement of the helmet rule. A retailer Glen Fernandes has exhausted his stock of helmets and is awaiting more. He also informed that footfalls at his shop have increased too.
The traffic cell is doing a tight rope act in Margao and awaits much needed cooperation from its parent department, people and competent authorities.
