the goan I network
MAPUSA
For once, the local MLA, the panchayat and the State administration worked in tandem to ensure the success of demolition drive to clear a road encumbrance in Siolim-Marna junction in the larger interest of the people.
Three kiosks at the key junction near the Siolim church were finally demolished on Thursday afternoon.
The kiosks stationed in the middle of the junction for the last 40 years posed problems for smooth movement of motor vehicles leading to irritating traffic jams especially in the evenings.
The Siolim-Marna panchayat had initiated the move to remove the kiosks several years
back.
It may be recalled the PWD had asked the Siolim-Marna panchayat to remove three kiosks as it was obstructing smooth movement
of traffic.
The PWD had plans to widen the road from Siolim-Marna junction to Cunchelim, Mapusa.
The PWD (roads) had written a letter to the local panchayat calling for removal of the kiosks, which led to constant traffic jams and chaos at the crucial junction near the St Anthony
church.
Based on the PWD letter, the Siolim-Marna panchayat had sent notices to the owners stressing the need to remove the kiosks, as part of road widening plan and to ease traffic congestion at the junction.
However, the kiosk owners stone-walled the request of the Siolim-Marna panchayat and demanded an alternative place as part of rehabilitation plan.
The owners of the kiosks later appealed against the panchayat decision before the Additional Director of Panchayat, which was dismissed.
Deputy Collector in-charge of the demolition squad, Panaji on Thursday descended with the machinery at the junction and along with the help of police flattened all the three kiosks.
The demolition drive was peaceful as it took place in the presence of strong police force.
Locals expressed satisfaction at the removal of the kiosks which was acting as a hindrance to traffic but called for rehabilitation of the owners.
“The removal of the kiosks for development and widening of the road is a good thing. But those kiosk owners should have been rehabilitated as they were operating from the place for more than 40 years,” said Amrut Agarwekar, a resident of Siolim-Marna.
He blamed the local panchayat andn alleged that panch members were instrumental in allowing people to set up such kiosks illegally for gratification.
