MARGAO: Even as the traffic police and district administration are drawing up strategies to tackle traffic congestion in Margao, a large pile of tree branches left on the footpath near Fatima Convent High School has caused considerable inconvenience to both students and other road-users. The presence of these branches hinders pedestrian movement and poses safety risks, particularly during school rush hour.
Citizens and parents have urged swift action from relevant authorities to clear the discarded foliage promptly, ensuring the safety and ease of access for all pedestrians, especially schoolchildren navigating the area daily. These trees were recently trimmed as part of initiatives undertaken by the district administration to address traffic congestion and enhance safety in Margao.
Margao locals and parents have voiced their frustration over the branches that have been left lying on the footpaths for the past three to four days. The situation is particularly dire for students of Loyola High School, whose access is impeded by the branches. In addition, the road is blocked by parked two-wheelers, further complicating the situation.
Following O Heraldo’s reportage on the chaotic traffic situation in the area, a joint meeting was convened involving the Margao Traffic Cell, stakeholders, and Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, to address the traffic congestion around the two schools. However, the failure to promptly clear the trimmed branches from the footpath has exacerbated the existing issues.
“The branches have been lying here for several days, and no authority has taken any initiative to clear them. It is the responsibility of the Margao Municipal Council to promptly remove these branches,” said Edgar Noronha, a concerned parent.
Deepak Naik, another parent, expressed disappointment, stating that the concerned authorities should have prioritised the safety of the student community, regarding the blockage caused by tree branches on the footpath. “Current circumstances clearly demonstrate that the concerned authorities are insensitive towards the safety of students and the general public,” he alleged.
However, one of the officers of the civic body informed Naik that the footpath would be cleared very soon. “Workers of the civic body were engaged in some other works and could not manage to collect the branches of trees lying on the footpath,” he said.
