THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Motorists travelling along the Colvale-Tivim road continue to face a hazardous commute as a badly damaged stretch riddled with deep potholes has turned into an accident-prone spot, with residents blaming a long-pending leakage from the Tillari canal and official inaction for the deteriorating condition.
Although most roads across Bardez have remained largely motorable during the monsoon, this particular stretch has become a major concern for commuters. The PWD road, though not a major highway, carries heavy traffic, including trucks, as it serves as a convenient shortcut connecting Pernem with Colvale, Tivim and other parts of North Goa.
According to local residents, several minor accidents have occurred on the stretch as motorists struggle to negotiate the large potholes. The situation worsens after dark as the road has no streetlights, making the damaged portion difficult to spot and increasing the risk to motorists.
The problem has persisted for years due to a leaking Tillari canal that passes over the road. Water from the canal continuously drips onto the road surface, weakening it and causing potholes to reappear even after repeated repairs.
Adding to the complexity is the fact that the affected stretch falls across the jurisdiction of the Colvale, Revora and Tivim village panchayats, leaving residents feeling that responsibility for the road has become fragmented.
Colvale Sarpanch Ritesh Varkhandkar said the panchayat had undertaken repairs soon after he assumed office about a year ago, but the work did not last because of the continuous seepage from the canal.
"We repaired the road, but because water keeps falling from the Tillari canal, it gets damaged again. We have written several letters to the PWD and the Tillari authorities, but no one seems bothered. Somebody has to take accountability. We are answerable to the people," Varkhandkar said.
PWD Assistant Engineer Darshan Shettye said the department has repaired the road on multiple occasions, but the efforts have proved futile as the underlying problem remains unresolved.
"Unless the seepage is permanently stopped, any repairs carried out on the road will only be temporary," Shettye said.
