To, The Superintendent of Police, Goa Traffic Police Department, Altinho, Panaji-Goa 23-8-2011
C.C to Shri Manohar Parrikar(Hon’ ble Leader of the Opposition and Panaji City MLA) Mr. Yatin Parekh, Hon’ ble Mayor(Corporation of the City of Panaji) Mr. Melvin Vaz, CCP Commissioner The Collector, Panaji. Mr Surendra Furtado, CCP Councillor Ward 9 Ms Ruth Furtado, CCP Councillor Ward 10 From Bharati Heble Councillor Ward 13, Corporation of the City of Panaji, Panaji-Goa 9326129171 Sub: Parking/ Stationing of Vehicles near Sharada Mandir School causing blocking of Traffic, Traffic Jams and Congestion. Dear Sir, Warm Greetings! This is to bring to your notice the lackadaisical approach of the Concerned Authorities particularly the ‘Goa Traffic Department’ in tackling the woes of the commuters travelling along the Miramar-Dona Paola Route. The stretch of Road from the Miramar circle leading to the ‘Sharada Mandir’ School and beyond is turning out to be an ordeal for motorists and others travelling along that route; particularly during the afternoon hours between 12.30pm to 2 pm. That is the time when the School closes and Parents (or their drivers) block the roads for long durations to pick up their children who study there. During these hours, a 5 minutes drive to reach one’s destination takes 4 to 5 times longer. What is normally a driving pleasure along the beautiful Miramar Beach/ Sea front is turning into a nightmarish crawl. In addition to the inconvenience caused, the stationing of the cars along this route and the refusal of the authorities to take action against the violators has resulted in the creation of an unnecessary choke point – bringing traffic along the route to a snail’s crawl, creating noise pollution, damaging the environment, etc. It is extremely sad and disappointing to note that Panaji, despite being the capital city and a premier Tourist destination, is slowly turning out to be a lawless city, where the authorities responsible for performing their duties are failing to do so in accordance to the laws of the land. With there being virtually no accountability shown by those governing the city, it is the Public who are being made to face the brunt, the suffering and the hardship. Government Departments have been turned into ‘White Elephants’- - largely operating on the principles of Newton’s ‘Laws of Inertia’, where they continue to be at rest; almost always needing an external agitating force to set themselves into motion. Year after Year, the Traffic Police conducts the ‘Road Safety Week’ exercise while in reality; their own Office refuses to implement its own rules and regulations. Despite the fact that there are Traffic Police stationed near the ‘Sharada Mandir’ School during the afternoon hours, no action is taken and no fines imposed on the traffic offenders. The Traffic Books have been turned into worthless pieces of paper. Which brings us to the question, Is there ‘Equality of Law’ in India or Is there one set of laws for the rich, the high and the mighty and a different set of laws for the rest? Will the authorities act at least now, or do we need Anna Hazare and his team to begin another round of Hunger strikes in Goa? A photograph of the Traffic Jam and Congestion caused during the afternoon hours is attached herewith. (Photo courtesy: Joegoauk). You are requested to kindly take immediate action against any such violations of traffic laws and rules that you may notice along this stretch of road and to impose Heavy fines and penalties on those responsible for bringing such hardships to the Public. Thanking you, Yours sincerely Bharati Heble(9326129171) CCP Councillor, Ward 13 Corporation of the City of Panaji
