TheGoan: Pleasetell us about your efforts for the construction of the new Usgao bridge?
FatherFelix Lobo: The old Usgao bridge that was built bythe Portuguese was narrow and two trucks could not pass each other at the sametime. Long queues of trucks on both the sides blocking private cars and busesbecame a regular sight. From 2005, I started getting people together to formroadblocks and disrupt the flow of these trucks. The government authoritiescontinued making false promises until I wrote a letter to the DGP and the ChiefSecretary. In the letter I mentioned that since they were insensitive to theissue in Usgao and no action was being taken to improve the situation, I wasgoing to blow up the bridge with explosives. The DGP assured me he would notallow me to do that, but would see to it that a new bridge was constructed. Finally,three years ago, Usgao got a new bridge.
TG: What was the problem caused by mining trucks following the constructionof the bridge?
FL: The drivers drive these tippers like maniacs. Our school bus, of StJoseph High School was hit by an empty tipper during school hours, when the movementof trucks was restricted. Another accident followed suit when a school busbelonging to the neighbouring school was hit by a tipper, claiming the lives oftwo children.
TG: What difficulties did you face during the agitation against themovement of trucks?
FL: When our bus met with the accident two years ago, I blocked the roadpreventing the movement of mining tippers. Police Inspector C L Patil arrestedme, along with the parents of the children from the school, who were protesting.I went on a hunger strike and people from all over gathered outside the Pondapolice station in support of my actions. The inspector even lathi charged thepeople who were protesting peacefully. Moreover, he did not allow me to talk tothe people. Finally, I called up MLA Alexio Sequeira. He came to the policestation along with the SP. The DySP ensured I was released, and I assured thepeople they could go home since the situation was now under control.
TG: What are your ideas to improve the situation further?
FL: I am not against mining but rather, inappropriate practices. I wouldsuggest that mining or RTO authorities should not allow more than two trips pertruck. If we regularise things this way, the mining sector will run very wellwithout causing a problem to anybody.
