VALPOI
Locals of Paikul-Valpoi are likely to face severe hardships during the rains as the Paikul bridge unlikely to be ready before the monsoon.
In the absence of this bridge, residents will be forced to travel through dense forests in Bondla or a makeshift footbridge over the Paikul river, putting their lives at considerable risk.
The old Paikul bridge at Sattari had collapsed during the floods last year, cutting off access to residents of Paikul from proceeding to Guleli.
As part of temporary arrangements, the government had made a makeshift footbridge over the river and a link road was also constructed to the village passing through Bondla wildlife area of Dharbandoda taluka.
However, since this road passes through dense forests, residents face various problems and fear the presence of wild animals.
The Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) also began the work to build a new bridge at Paikul at a cost of about Rs 20 crore.
The government had promised to complete construction work within a year, but so far, 20% of the bridge is yet to be completed and the approach road is also yet to be completed.
As a result, residents of Paikul are unlikely to have easy access to Guleli village during the monsoons.
“The government had assured to complete the bridge within a year but going by the slow pace of work, it is unlikely that the bridge will be ready before the monsoon,” said social worker Ajit Desai.
“Without this bridge, people will be forced to travel through dense forests in Bondla or a makeshift footbridge over the Paikul river. In either case, their lives will be put at considerable risk.”
A student, Mugdha Desai, said the government needs to consider the plight of residents in the village.
“If the bridge is not completed, the villagers, and especially the students, will have to face many difficulties,” Desai said.
