------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Documented by Goa Desc Resource Centre Ph:2252660 Website: www.goadesc.org Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Press Clippings on the web: http://www.goadesc.org/mem/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------- How many more? --------------------------- A few days ago while driving home I had to leave my side of the road to avoid a huge bull squatting and occupying a dangerous bend on the Betim-Verem road. In doing so I nearly collided with a speeding car coming from the opposite direction, as I happened to be in his way.
A guardian angel must have worked over time to save me as I came to a screeching halt just missing the other car by an inch. The incident ended with the other guy fuming at me, and me fuming at the bull, but fortunately, this time around, no lives were lost.
How many more road accidents, I wondered would be caused by cattle freely roaming the streets before any positive action is taken to get them off the busy roads and highways? How many lives had to be lost before the authorities thought it fit to introduce precautionary checks such as speedbreakers or signboards along the dangerous bypass which had already claimed its victims.
How many drowning deaths took place before the Government thought of putting up warning signboards on the beaches during the treacherous monsoon season , which in recent years has come alive with local tourists, and were crying out for adequate safety equipment, warning signs and Lifeguards?
Now, it appears that the latest death traps have been set by the Konkan Railway while passengers go to board their trains. A relative of mine (65 years old) who left for Mumbai recently from the Karmali Railway station, had a nerve shattering experience. Here is another situation where accidents are just waiting to happen, and huge sums will be paid out as compensation to those who will undoubtedly one day be the victims of a terrible tragedy.
How many more, I wondered, would be lost because of such criminal negligence before the authorities sit up and take notice and act?
Charlotte Alvares, Nerul in a letter to the Editor ------------------------------------ HERALD 7/10/03 page 6 ------------------------------------
======================================= GOA DESC RESOURCE CENTRE Documentation + Education + Solidarity 11 Liberty Apts., Feira Alta, Mapusa, Goa 403 507 Tel: 2252660 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] website: www.goadesc.org ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Working On Issues Of Development & Democracy =======================================
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