MAPUSA
The service roads along the NH-66 in Bardez were designed to ease local traffic, but many of them have become a nightmare for motorists due to rampant encroachments.
A particularly chaotic stretch lies at Karaswaddo in Cunchelim, Mapusa where illegal structures and unregulated activities have choked the service road, forcing commuters into daily skirmishes and hazardous driving conditions.
What was originally a link for smooth movement has now been reduced to a narrow, congested lane lined with kiosks, food stalls, makeshift dwellings and parked vehicles.
To add to the chaos, the service road skirts a large migrant settlement, which locals say has turned into a hub of nuisance.
“Driving through Karaswaddo is like entering a different world “ the road is barely visible. It’s lined with kiosks, illegally built walls and hawkers, while two-wheelers and cars are parked randomly. You are forced to negotiate with pedestrians, vendors and vehicles all at once,” said Stephen Fernandes, a daily commuter from Mapusa.
Residents allege that the encroachments are not merely tolerated but thrive under political protection. They also complain of intimidation by anti-social elements who take advantage of minor traffic altercations.
“Anti-social elements hover around exploiting even a small vehicle brush to threaten motorists and extort money. It feels as though Karaswaddo has been leased out to them by the authorities,” alleged Sabina De Souza of Siolim.
Adding to the frustration is the lack of action from the civic and traffic authorities. Despite notices being issued to some of the illegal roadside outlets and constructions on comunidade land, locals say there has been no serious follow-up.
“We have repeatedly taken up the matter of roadside encroachments in Karaswaddo and served notices to violators. However, enforcement remains a challenge as many of the violators enjoy backing from political figures,” admitted a senior official from the Mapusa Municipal Council, on condition of anonymity.
The traffic police, meanwhile, acknowledged the issue but said their role was limited.
“We are aware of the congestion and illegal parking at the Karaswaddo service road. Our staff regularly fines vehicles parked in a no-parking zone. But the larger problem of permanent encroachments requires coordination between the municipal authorities, PWD and revenue department,” said a traffic cop from Mapusa.
The stretch is not only used by local residents but also serves as a key access route for industrial workers, office-goers and tourists heading towards the North Goa beach belt.
The daily chaos, residents warn, has the potential to erupt into a major law-and-order situation if unchecked.
“The Karaswaddo service road is no longer just a civic nuisance “ it has become a threat to public safety. If authorities continue to look away, the place will soon turn into a lawless pocket,” remarked Anita Naik, a resident of Cunchelim.
For now, the service road remains emblematic of Goa’s urban planning woes “ where illegal encroachments, political interference and weak enforcement leave citizens to fend for themselves in the middle of growing disorder.
