PRESS-RELEASE
Goa Governments move to introduce - governors - on public transport vehicles effective from 1st February, 2008 is welcome and long awaited. It is a fact that the Goan roads have killed maimed many -- figures culled from the Goa Police Organisation indicate that there is no safety assured on our roads. Foreign tourists too have commented adversely to our Group on the dangers of our roads and the safety standards. They regard the road menance as a number one hazard and ranks high on their travel advisory --viz the need for those visiting the State to be cautious or road hazards. There are an appaling number of persons maimed crippled or rendered vegetables and languishing in pain and torture. The statistics available with the Goa Medical College Hospital neurosurgeon is another pointer to the sorry state of affairs in Goa on the accident prone roads. South Goa Public Interest Action Group (SGPIAG) therefore demands of the Government of Goa not to succumb to pressures from either the Opposition Party in the State Legislative Assembly or the transport lobby but to implement the same without fear or fervour. However they would also do well to simultaneously undertake a thorough study to ensure the reasons for over-speeding and lack of road sense or discipline In doing so we at SGPIAG feel a) that the Directorate of Transport official ensure due care in grant of driving licences for too often it has been said that driving licences are easily available by offering a bribe; b) they should also ensure that the trips per day operated by transport contractors in mining areas is computed on the basis of speed calculated at the rate of not more than 60 km per hour --- as the inducement offered to outstation drivers engaged on contract or daily basis by the mine owners compel them to operate vehicles at high speeds to meet the trips daily trip requirements c) the State Transport Authorities should ensure that a proper study is undertaken before granting permits to vehicles to avoid unhealthy competition which compels transport operators to negotiate at high speeds to make both ends meet. The SGPIAG also welcomes the move of the Government of Goa to appoint a high ranking official from Maharashtra to undertake a study of the road transport system and recommend amends. However SGPIAG regrets to note that most often implementation is tardy as thus far the Governments PWD has moved at snails space to remedy the poor road engineering at the over 150 accident prone risk zones identified a couple of years ago or even does not pay heed when the public point out instances of accident prone zones. The Goa Government should also introduce checks on two wheelers which account for nearly 75% of the vehicles in the State. Enforcement of speed limits is a must and the fines imposed should be exemplary and not intended to fill the coffers of the officials of the Traffic cell or the Directorate of Transport. The South Goa Public Interest Action Group a regd NGO based in Margao with jurisdiction in the entire South Goa District is ready to join hands with the Government of Goa to ensure that the implementation of the Governors becomes a reality despite threats. for SOUTH GOA PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION GROUP For SOUTH GOA PUBLIC INTEREST ACTION GROUP Regd No 171/GOA/2000 dt 12.12.2000 sd/- TERENCE MAZARELO PRESIDENT (SGPIAG) 1st Flr Benlix Bldg Opp Fatima Convent Margao Goa India [EMAIL PROTECTED] weblink http://mumbai.sancharnet.in/manojnd FAX +91 832 2712430 HELPLINE (24 hrs) 9822158584 Tel +91 832 2731373 (O) TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GOA/INDIA visit:www.goidirectory.nic.in,www.goagovt.nic.in Get the freedom to save as many mails as you wish. To know how, go to http://help.yahoo.com/l/in/yahoo/mail/yahoomail/tools/tools-08.html
