PANAJI
The High Court of Bombay at Goa has directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and the contractor to complete the hot-mixing of alternate roads being used due to ongoing construction of the Porvorim flyover, so as to prevent dust pollution and traffic hazards.
During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Monday, Advocate General Devidas Pangam assured the Bench that all necessary steps would be taken to minimise inconvenience to commuters and workers.
The AG also submitted that they have called for an urgent meeting of the PWD, Traffic Department and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to devise comprehensive prevention measures including the installation of appropriate signage and traffic management.
One of the key issues pointed out by the Court was the condition of the alternate roads created alongside the flyover construction. The petitioner argued that these roads are causing pollution and posing risks to public safety. To this, the Bench directed that the hot-mixing of these roads must be prioritised.
“This will start with the stretch from Mall De Goa to the O’Coqueiro junction. It is one of the measures to prevent traffic hazards and pollution. The process will initially be implemented on a trial basis, and if successful, other areas will also undergo hot-mixing,” the Court stated, adjourning the matter to December 12.
To combat dust pollution, the High Court directed the contractor and PWD officials to ensure sprinkling water on the terrain four times a day.
Meanwhile, AG Pangam said that measures to ensure emergency response such as the creation of a trauma centre and ambulance access, will also be discussed in the upcoming meeting.
During the last hearing, the Court directed the contractor and government departments to implement adequate safety measures. AG had then reported that a site inspection was conducted, and the contractor was instructed to prioritise black-topping the diverted roads. The North Goa Collector was also tasked with removing illegal structures that were causing traffic congestion.
