The old bridge and sluice gates attached to it which were constructed during the Portuguese regime at Kalapur near Four Pillars needs the urgent attention of government authorities. Both the bridge and sluice gate have reached a stage where they can collapse at any time, while authorities have paid a constant blind eye towards complaints filed by locals.
The bridge has developed huge cracks and the stones and concrete are falling off due to the absence of maintenance. The bridge connects Kalapur and the village of St Cruz to Panjim. It used to be a main road before the highway was constructed. Traffic used to utilize this bridge earlier. However, if this bridge collapses now due to the heavy monsoons, the residents of Kalapur and St Cruz will have to either come via Taleigao or Merces.
Arturo D’Souza, a social activist from St Cruz informed Herald that the bridge wasn’t even inspected by authorities, despite complaints. “The villages will suffer greatly if this bridge collapses. It is the main link to Panjim. I am trying to take up this issue with the PWD and other authorities so that temporary measures at least can be made,” he said.
Another major issue is of the sluice gates. Due to improper maintenance and operation of it, the farmers from Kalapur and Kharesakor have stopped cultivation of fields. Fields are now filled with salty water due to improper operation of the sluice gates. This makes growing of crops very difficult. The fields haven’t been cultivated for about 30 years, but the farmers who stopped using the land to cultivate crops now want to cultivate these fields again and have urged the authorities to take action.
Based on a complaint by locals, the comunidade administrator directed the managing committee to undertake an inspection, which was done last week. “There are many farmers who want to cultivate these fields as the government has given special attention to the agriculture sector. Unfortunately due to negligence, the farmer’s community has been denied the opportunity to cultivate,” D’Souza said.
