VASCO
A delegation of Aam Admi Party (AAP) members in Mormugao on Wednesday petitioned Deputy Collector Sachin Desai to extend the no-entry timings for heavy vehicles inside city limits by another two hours and apply it for three days from November 12 to 14 on account of Diwali festival.
AAP Spokesperson Parshuram Sonurlekar told reporters that markets and makeshift stalls were set on both sides of the FL Gomes road selling diyas, Akash Kandeels, due to the fast-approaching Diwali festival.
"The market witnesses a mad rush of people and sometimes, people cross over from one market to another to buy items. At the same time, there is a mad rush of heavy vehicles moving along the road to the port.”
“There is a no-entry time for these heavy vehicles in the city from 5 pm to 7 pm. We have now requested the Deputy Collector to extend this period by two hours and have the no-entry till 9 pm so that people can also shop freely and with greater safety,” said Sonurlekar.
Vasco AAP Coordinator Adv Sunil Loran said people should be allowed to shop and use the market till 9 pm without the fear of heavy vehicles moving in the area.
“There have been instances where many people have lost their lives because of accidents along this road. The mad rush of people and chaos of heavy vehicles rushing in and out of the port is a dangerous combination and if our request is accepted, we will have an injury and accident-free Diwali celebrations in the port town," said Loran.
Meanwhile, South Goa AAP Convenor Lawrence D'Silva said AAP’s suggestion would also ensure free movement of emergency vehicles like ambulance and fire brigades.
Deputy Collector Sachin Desai told reporters that he would take up necessary steps to check if heavy vehicles can be prohibited in the city during peak hours.
"I will seek a report from the Vasco Traffic Police regarding the situation and we will accordingly decide on what decision can be taken in this matter," said Desai.
