Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) organised unique umbrella protest in the capital city highlighting the hardships faced by the pedestrians due to falling of water from air-conditioners on footpaths.
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GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins said that many government department offices, banks and businessmen houses are using air-conditioners and allow water to fall on the pavements making it difficult for pedestrians to walk. There have been instances of people especially senior citizens falling due to slippery condition of pavements.
He said that the rights of the pedestrians and especially senior citizens to clear and safe footpaths are violated.
During the protest, Martins forced one of the bank managers to face the reality after he was shown that water from air-conditioner used in his office was released on the pavements.
Martins said that they had brought it to the notice of the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) commissioner but till date no action has been taken against them. “We are not against those using air-conditioners in their offices but they should ensure that the water does not fall on the people and also should allow it to be released on footpaths.”
He said that following the umbrella protest there has been some impact at few places. But he warned that if the CCP fails to take cognisance of their protest then more GOACAN volunteers will join such protests in future.
