Roadside cooking, temporary setups spark fear of accidents; authorities defend compliance
Drilling works underway alongside the NH66 at the Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim stretch.
MARGAO
The PWD, National Highway seemed to have not learnt a lesson from the Verna tragedy where labourers staying in temporary accommodation were killed after a vehicle rammed into the structure.
As the agency appointed by the PWD, NH for the Navelim-Cuncolim road-widening project has commenced on soil testing along the Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim stretch to build a flyover, social activists have flagged cooking of food by the work along road side posing danger in the event of a road accident.
When GOACAN had raised its serious concerns over the ongoing work, including absence of project details, the PWD-NH officials have replied to the NGO stating the drilling works on NH-66 between Dandeavaddo–Chinchinim and Panzorconi is part of the upcoming 4-laning project from Navelim to Uskini Bandh, Cuncolim which has already been duly tendered.
“The necessary directions with respect to all road safety measures were issued in advance to the agency Explore Engineering, which has been appointed by ASC Pvt Ltd to undertake the geotechnical investigation works,” the NH official informed GOACAN.
The NH has further clarified that all required signboards and safety indicators are already in place, as evident from the photographs. As far as the workers safety, the NH pointed out that to adequate arrangements for the stay of labourers had been informed to the agency in advance, further saying that the main highway traffic is not being affected by the said activities.
“The work is being carried out as per prescribed norms, and due care has been taken to ensure public safety, traffic management, and labour-related provisions,” the official further replied.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins, however, said it is indeed sad that despite lives being lost every day, the AE of PWD (NH) sends this kind of a response to the concerns raised by GOACAN. “Just imagine a situation if a major road accident takes place along the stretch and the vehicles hit the workers engaged in cooking and relaxing along the roadside. We have seen how the workers had died in the Verna tragedy. Hope the authorities take the lives of the workers seriously,” Martins added.
