Just a forthnight ago a young pathologist working at JMJ Hospital in Porvorim
was crushed under the wheels of a speeding bus as she tried to cross the road
on her way to the bus stop after work. The NH17 besides killing innumerable
domestic cats, dogs and cows over the years has also taken a huge number of
lives of children and adults in road accidents. Churchill Alemao the PWD
Minister is now busy propagating the idea of a 6-lane National Highway that is
being senselessly pproposed through villages to benefit the builders and real
estate developers. If crossing the road in Panjim city is a nightmare then one
can imagine the plight of the people living in villages through which the
killer Highways pass. Pedestrian crossings have been marked but who cares? The
motorists just zoom past. In fact if you are seen waiting to cross the road the
motorist further accelerates his vehicle. Who will enforce traffic discipline
which is also required along side other development?
About 2 years ago when a group of residents visited the then Chief Secretary to
urge her into taking necessary measures along NH17 like providing proper
footpaths, pedestrian crossings, service lanes and the rest for safety of the
people, she only laughed and said that it hardly exists anywhere, not even in
cities.
We boast of being a tourist State but one needs to take a look at the plight of
the toursits trying to cross the road near the Santa Monica Jetty below Mandovi
bridge. The moptorists just refuse to stop and just arrogantly charge on
pedestrians using the crossings. All this nonsense is silently borne by
pedestrians. Block the footpath and the pedestrian takes to the road. Provide
pedestrian crossings but they will tolerate the drivers zooming past. No one
has the time to protest and demand their rights. All they can do is curse the
politicians and their goondaism. Get knocked down like animals, shed a few
tears, shower a few curses at the politicians and government and life is back
to normal the next day.
We have safety weeks with police and NGO volunteers drawing your attention to
wearing of seat belts and helmets. Is respect for pedesrian crossings, no
overtaking zones, speed limits not a part of road safety? Is the use of
footpaths and keeping them clear of encroachments not a part of road safety?
But this is an era of less work and more propaganda. It is about superficial
activities, internationally marketable issues, photo opportunities and
siphoning of funds in the name of social action. Politicians are busy with
special status for Goa but the special status for road safety is not on their
menu card. NGOs are bothered about promoting themselves to attract sponsors.
Holistic road safety measures is not as tasty and sensational as child abuse,
coruption, Babush, Churchill, Parrikar, SEZ, CZM and so on. First things
first. Start with the smaller issues and the bigger one's will fall in place.
If Goans cannot ensure their own individual safety on the roads how can they be
expected to save Goa?
