the goan I network
MARGAO
With the South Western Railway (SWR) unmoved over its controversial decision to cover the old station footbridge with metal sheets, the Goa Women’s Forum on Thursday held a protest at the footbridge to draw attention of the various authorities to the danger posed to women, who use the bridge as pedestrians and riders.
Members of the forum highlighted the need for the immediate removal of the metal sheets put up on the footbridge in order to prevent crime against women. The forum demanded that the authorities dismantle the metal sheets from the footbridge, whose view is being blocked by the sheets, before any untoward incident takes place.
Forum convenor Lorna Fernandes recalled that the GWF had addressed a letter dated November 9 last to the Sub-Divisional Police Officer, Margao, but in vain. In fact, she pointed out that SDPO, DySP Serafin Dias had informed the delegation that it was the duty of the Margao Municipal Council to remove the metal sheets and that his office would provide police protection.
She recalled that the delegation had also called on the Dy Collector, Margao, Ajay Gaude who assured the delegation that he would convene a meeting of all the authorities involved such as Konkan Railway, municipal authorities and the police so that our demands could be met.
The metal sheets have been put up on the old station footbridge by the South Western Railway with the sole objective of blocking the view of the recently built guest houses located in the railway property adjoining the footbridge.
Though senior SWR officials had promised Leader of the Opposition and Margao MLA, Digambar Kamat to dismantle the sheets, the ground reality remains unchanged.
