SAFETY GOES FOR A TOSS: Locals and workers rush to rescue a couple after their scooter plunged into a deep excavation at Naika-vaddo, Calangute, on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over safety at ongoing GSIDC works.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Goa’s image as a leading tourist destination is taking a hit as hazardous construction sites in one of its busiest coastal constituencies continue to pose a threat to public safety.
In the latest incident, a couple riding a scooter fell into a deep trench dug up as part of ongoing works undertaken by the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) in the main market area at Naika-vaddo, Calangute.
Although the couple escaped with injuries, the incident has once again brought the spotlight on the glaring safety concerns surrounding infrastructure works undertaken by the State’s premier infrastructure agency.
The incident comes barely a week after a man suffered critical injuries after falling onto exposed iron rods at an under-construction drain in the same locality. He subsequently died at Goa Medical College (GMC).
The identity of the couple involved in the latest incident, including whether they were tourists or local residents, was not immediately known. The extent of their injuries also remained unclear.
A video of the incident circulating on social media shows locals, along with workers at the site, rushing to help the distraught couple after they fell into the trench with their scooter.
Calangute Police Inspector Laxmi Amonkar told The Goan that the police had not received any complaint in connection with the incident.
“We are aware of the incident but were unable to figure out who the couple were who fell into the trench as no complaint was filed at the police station,” Amonkar said.
The latest mishap has revived concerns over the safety arrangements at the construction site, particularly whether adequate barricades, warning signs and other safeguards are in place to prevent commuters from falling into open excavations.
The concerns are heightened by the fatal incident reported barely a week earlier at Naika-vaddo, where a man fell onto exposed iron rods while walking across a temporary wooden plank placed over an under-construction drain. He sustained critical injuries and later died at GMC.
Calangute police subsequently registered a case of causing death by negligence against the proprietor of Assmas Construction, alleging that the worksite lacked adequate safety measures and warning signs.
The two incidents in quick succession raise serious questions about the monitoring of ongoing works and the responsibility of GSIDC, the agency undertaking the infrastructure project, to ensure that construction sites do not endanger the public.
Roland Martins, a member of the State Road Safety Committee, said the incidents would be taken up at the road safety meeting.
“We will take these incidents during the road safety meeting. We cannot allow people falling in holes this way,” Martins said.
He also questioned the responsibility of GSIDC, pointing out that an agency entrusted with major infrastructure works in the State must ensure that appropriate safety measures are in place at its project sites.
