Suggested compensation would supplement govt’s relief
PANAJI
With prolonged delays in Smart City projects and road mishaps, including four fatalities, Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho has proposed that Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Corporation (IPSCDL) provide additional compensation to accident victims. This compensation would be over and above the amount notified by the State government and would apply only within the jurisdiction of Smart City works.
His suggestion came while chairing a meeting of the Road Safety Council on Thursday.
“Accidents have been reported at certain locations, besides inconvenience to commuters due to the ongoing works. The minister suggested that IPSCDL give additional compensation to accident victims where these are directly linked to the civil works,” a senior official present at the meeting told The Goan.
According to the notification on 10 February this year, the government would offer a relief amount of Rs 2 lakh to the family of deceased accident victims whose cumulative family income is less than Rs 10 lakh.
The deadline for submitting claims has been extended to 365 days from the date of the accident. The notification covers pan-Goa.
The Smart City works have been severely criticised for various reasons, including four fatalities. During the monsoon, teenager Arati Gond from Uttar Pradesh died of head injuries after a tree near Gracia de Orta Garden crashed on her head. The area was under Smart City works.
Earlier, on 31 December 2023, Ayush Halarnkar, a 21-year-old BCom student, lost his life after his two-wheeler fell into an open pit dug for sewerage works at Mala. That same year, a worker died and three others were seriously injured during related work at St Inez.
Last week, Ribandar resident Emidio Monteiro succumbed to injuries sustained in an accident allegedly caused by incomplete Smart City works there.
Meanwhile, the Council reviewed ongoing efforts to rectify accident-prone black spots, which are expected to be completed by March 2025. Departments have also been directed to investigate the root causes of accidents, such as careless and drunk driving, and implement prompt corrective actions.
The Council further discussed key road safety enhancements, including controlling stray cattle on roads, improving ambulance response times, and restricting the movement of heavy machinery during peak hours. Pubs and bars are urged to encourage patrons to use app-based taxi services to reduce drunk driving incidents.
