When junk has parking space: Panjim bus stand has become a permanent dumping site for abandoned vehicles

PANJIM: The Panjim bus stand has become a graveyard and a dumping site for abandoned vehicles as the authorities have turned a blind eye.

The immobile vehicles at different locations at the city bus stand including two-wheelers, rickshaws, cars without number plates, are posing a security threat and causing nuisance. 

These vehicles act as a shelter for anti-social elements who are involved in crimes including illegal gambling, drugs and other criminal activities.

Such vehicles are occupying space meant for parking, at a time when the city is going through the parking crisis.

Corroded vehicles add to traffic congestion, sometimes also leading to accidents.

As such vehicles are unattended, they also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes which causes vector-borne diseases.

The concerned authorities have failed to initiate required action, which could have prevented the incidence of abandonment at the city bus stand.

Expressing his inability to address the issue immediately, the Commissioner of Corporation of City of Panaji, Agnelo Fernandes said that the Corporation is yet to identify a suitable place. “At present, we cannot lift the abandoned vehicles as space is a major issue. We are looking for a site where these abandoned vehicles can be towed away and kept,” Fernandes said. Ronald Martins, Co-ordinator GOACAN said that the city bus stand has become a “dumping ground” for abandoned vehicles, adding that it reflects Goa’s image very badly to the tourists.

“The fact that people are dumping the vehicles here means they are confident that nobody is going to bother. Unfortunately, no action is coming from the concerned authorities including the Corporation of the City of Panaji, if 2023 is going to be a different year, we appeal to the Corporation and other authorities to immediately visit the bus stand and take concrete steps,” Martins said. He said that the Kadamba Transport Corporation and Transport Department should also intervene and ensure that the city bus stand is free of abandoned vehicles.

“We had brought it to the notice of CCP, and other concerned authorities earlier, and, we are re-emphasizing this point that first, you send a strong signal to the public that the bus stand is safe for citizens,” Martins added.

The Commissioner CCP said that the civic body will be able to take action in this regard in the New Year.