PICTURE IMPERFECT: Once a scenic stretch, the narrow Saligao road now lies in neglect – its uneven surface and collapsing coconut trees tell a story of years of official apathy.
THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Once a hidden gem quietly basking in the admiration of visiting tourists and film crews, a narrow, picturesque road stretch in Saligao is now in a state of ruin – neglected by authorities and slowly slipping into obscurity.
The narrow lane that runs from the Saligao Cemetery to the Padmanan building, winding its way through serene coconut groves and lush fields, was once a local pride.
For decades, residents from the Arrarim area, which comprises six wards, used this route to walk to the Saligao church and access the ChogM highway.
Tourists too, drawn by its quaint charm, would stop to click selfies or create reels reminiscent of the famous ‘Dear Zindagi’ road in Parra.
"This road has been part of our everyday lives for years. Earlier, it was like walking through a postcard. Now, it feels like a forgotten alley," said Avito Vales, a local who walks the route almost every day.
Over the years, the scenic lane even attracted filmmakers for its aesthetic appeal.
Local residents recall with pride how the stretch was once used for shooting regional and national film scenes, with vintage bikes and long shots of coconut-lined curves capturing the rustic charm of Goa.
“Tourists still visit the area to take photos, treating it like a local attraction. However, over the years, the road has steadily deteriorated, losing much of its former charm,” Vales said.
Cracks run deep along the path, the tar is eroded and multiple sections have sunk or become uneven due to soil erosion, causing many coconut trees to collapse.
"The road has been lying neglected for a very long time. We warned the panchayat years ago about the soil erosion issue. Nobody took us seriously. Now the trees are falling one by one and it’s a danger to walkers and riders," said Anthony Fernandes, a resident of Saligao.
While originally built for two-wheelers and pedestrians, the road often sees reckless four-wheeler traffic, leading to blockages and minor accidents. The situation worsens at night due to non-functional streetlights, turning the stretch into a potential hazard.
"This road is part of our heritage. We’re not asking for a highway. We just want the road restored, some working lights and signs to restrict heavy vehicles. That’s all," Fernandes added.
Despite repeated complaints and appeals, authorities have remained largely inactive.
Libby Madeira, a long-time resident of Saligao and State General Secretary of Mahila Congress, expressed frustration over the prolonged neglect.
As the road continues to deteriorate, residents are planning to file a collective memorandum addressed to the local MLA, the Saligao panchayat and the PWD, demanding urgent intervention.
