the goan I network
VASCO
From non-functional street lights to LED fixtures dangling dangerously, the NH17B between Verna and Dabolim airport continues to throw up different threats to motorists.
And now, an electricity pole fallen and protruding perilously along the highway is the latest such danger awaiting unsuspecting motorists.
The fallen electricity pole protruding on the highway is located near the Vishal Mega Mart and motorists could be in serious trouble while travelling in the dark due to the non-functional street lights.
According to sources the pole had fallen after an accident more than 3 months ago but till date none of the Authorities have done anything about it despite several complains.
“The responsibility to clear the fallen pole from the site has been shifted from one department to another. The blame game was between the National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI), an advertising agency and a contractor who installed the street lights,” said a source.
The source said a number of minor accidents have been reported along the route and many motorists recalled having narrowly missed hitting the fallen pole.
Speaking to The Goan, a motorist, Rajendra Gaonkar, recalled, “I had come to stay at a relative’s house in Jairam Nagar and late evening, my son wanted me to take him to Vishal Mega Mart.”
“I took my cousin’s bike and was moving towards the Mart when I suddenly saw the edge of the pole protruding on the road. I immediately moved towards the middle of the road to escape hitting into the pole.”
“It was dark and I was on a bike with my son and thankfully, there were no speeding vehicles on the sides or behind me, else it could have been tragic for us. Authorities must do something because it could lead to accidents as the edge of the pole is visible only at the last moment,” said Gaonkar.
Another resident, Maqbool Shaikh of Dabolim said that the pole has been lying dangerously along the highway for a long time.
“I wonder why a pole cannot be removed by authorities, despite several complaints. The pole has no electricity connection and has been lying there on the road for no reason. We locals cannot remove it as they can then file a complaint against us for moving government property.”
“Does it take so long to remove a non-functional pole which is lying dangerously on the highway? This pole can pierce someone while riding and can rip apart the sides of a vehicle as it moves along the road. Authorities must act immediately,” said Shaikh.
