the goan I network
VASCO
With heavy rains lashing Mormugao taluka, support poles lying precariously along the highway at Sancoale have been cause for concern among motorists.
Several poles extending support to electricity poles have been found along the NH17A, especially on sharp turns near the St Anthony Chapel at Sancoale.
Several motorists, especially taxis going to and from the airport, have requested authorities to intervene and shift the old poles and support poles away from the road.
According to sources, the extension of road and widening was taken up by PWD on war footing and old electricity poles at some areas are yet to be shifted. Sources also informed that after the initial blame game among the PWD and electricity departments, the work to shift the electricity poles was awarded to a contractor by the PWD, but locals claim that though the works are being taken, it is going on at snail’s place.
“These electricity poles are dangerous as they are on sharp turns along the road. In the monsoon and during power cuts, there is every chance that someone can crash on these poles. Besides, the support poles are lying on plain mud moulds and this could be dangerous in monsoons. The rains can cause landslides in certain areas and these this mould of support poles could be easy destroyed “ said a taxi driver Rajesh Naik
Another motorist Deven Shirodkar said heavy monsoon and strong wind had caused landslides, flooding besides incidents of trees uprooting and the support poles in the block of mud in heavy monsoon was extremely dangerous.
“Today as I was passing by, I saw that the mud at the base of support poles was being washed away and the entire area was full of water. We have had advisory of heavy rains and strong winds and with these rains there is every chance that the mud can be washed away and the strong wind can cause the pole to fall. The falling pole can cause a certain tragedy as these roads are being used 24x7 and sees traffic almost all day long,” said Shirodkar.
