PERNEM: In the busy coastal stretch encompassing Morjim, Ashvem, Mandrem, and Arambol beaches within the Mandrem constituency, a dire situation unfolds. The already narrow roads are being further crippled by vendors encroaching on the sides, escalating the traffic congestion. Amidst the chaos, local residents are pointing fingers at the Pernem police, alleging a failure to regulate traffic and address the issue of encroachment. Adding fuel to the fire, vehicles brazenly parked in no-parking zones exacerbate the already serious congestion problems.
The idyllic coastal belt in North Goa, crowded with hotels, restaurants, shops, and roadside stalls, is marred by a lack of parking spaces for the influx of tourists. Hotel owners, failing to provide parking arrangements for their patrons, contribute significantly to the illegal parking woes, resulting in regular and severe traffic jams in Mandrem.
The surge in unemployed youth turning to the rent-a-bike business further compounds the traffic situation, fueled by the substantial tourist influx in North Goa. With domestic tourists also opting for personal vehicles, the overall vehicular inflow necessitates a substantial improvement in manpower for the Pernem police.
Adding to the irony, ‘no parking’ signs have been erected in the Morjim panchayat area. However, locals express dismay as vehicles continue to be parked brazenly beneath these very signages, highlighting a dire need for effective regulation and enforcement.
