MAPUSA
The Mapusa councillors expressed deep concern over the impact of washed-out roads on the upcoming festival, warning that Ganesha devotees would not forgive public representatives for the poor state of infrastructure.
A special meeting called by the Mapusa Municipal Council on Friday to prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi quickly devolved into a heated exchange over the poor condition of roads in the town.
Councillors expressed their frustration with the Public Works Department (PWD) and the municipal administration for failing to maintain road quality, particularly ahead of the important festival.
Councillors criticized the PWD for not providing durable roads, noting that the situation has worsened over the years.
"This pathetic condition of roads happens year after year. Why can't the government provide roads that last at least five years?" questioned Shashank Narvekar, councillor of Ward 5.
Prakash Bhivshet, councillor of Ward 20, echoed these sentiments, slamming the civic body for its failure to repair roads in a timely manner.
"My road is in such a miserable condition that people will have a problem bringing Ganapati into their homes," Bhivshet lamented.
He insisted that the municipal council take responsibility for the repairs, despite Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar attributing the damage to an overflowing sewerage chamber.
Former chairperson and current councillor Shubhangi Vaigankar emphasised the dire situation in Khorlim, questioning how residents could properly celebrate the festival given the poor road conditions.
Councillor Kayle Braganza also expressed concern about the road conditions in her ward, Angod, noting that residents have been struggling for months.
"People are going to curse us during Ganesh Chaturthi for not providing good roads. How are we going to respond to their complaints?" Braganza asked.
Councillor Tarak Arolkar took a more pointed approach, criticizing the local MLAs and the Public Works Department (PWD) for failing to ensure proper road conditions.
He accused the MLAs of not cooperating with efforts to improve the roads.
In response, Chairperson Bicholkar assured the councillors that she has been coordinating with various departments to expedite road repairs. She acknowledged that the PWD's temporary measures, such as filling potholes with stones and mud, have been inadequate due to heavy rains.
"We are doing better than other areas in the State because we are constantly monitoring and carrying out repairs," Bicholkar asserted, adding that special efforts will be made to repair the roads within the next five days before the Chaturthi celebrations.
Special cleanup drive for visarjan
Mapusa Municipal Council Chairperson Nutan Bicholkar, announced that special efforts will be made to clean and provide proper lighting at the various visarjan spots in Mapusa ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Bicholkar highlighted that several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have volunteered to supply Nirmalya Kalash, which will be used to collect the flowers and other materials used during the immersion of Lord Ganesha, preventing them from being discarded into the river.
"The four visarjan spots”Tar River, Acoi, Cunchelim, and Khorlim”will be cleaned and illuminated to ensure a proper and organized immersion process," Bicholkar stated.
She added that the NGOs' involvement will help maintain the cleanliness and sanctity of the visarjan sites during the festivities.
