CANACONA
Believe it or not, the PWD (Roads) has relied on bamboo railings at the unprotected culvert bridge over the Dumane rivulet in Canacona, to prevent speeding vehicles from falling into the rivulet.
The treacherous culvert bridge over the Dumane rivulet along a sharp turn on the road to Canacona-Agonda is often considered a death trap, with a number of vehicles involved in mishaps at the spot.
Two years ago, the PWD had erected speed-breakers on either side of the culvert bridge and had installed warning signboards, but these measures have not prevented mishaps in the area.
According to sources, at least five vehicles have fallen over the bridge while going towards Agonda within the last fortnight, causing injuries to the motorists and damages to the vehicles.
Following public outcry over frequent mishaps, the PWD (Roads) hit upon a novel idea and erected bamboo railings and painted them white, as a barrier and to prevent vehicles from falling into the rivulet.
The installation of these bamboo railings have evoked ridicule and criticism among motorists and residents alike.
“PWD’s technology of using bamboo sticks to prevent vehicles from falling over a narrow culvert bridge is the most unusual technology. Canacona is a tourist hub and pictures of these white bamboo railings do not speak well of Canacona taluka,” remarked a motorist Harischandra.
Dumane culvert being renovated: MLA
CANACONA: Stating that the Dumane culvert bridge will be renovated shortly, Dy Speaker and Canacona MLA Isidore Fernandes has admitted that land acquisition for a new adjacent culvert bridge at Dumane has been delayed.
Fernandes had formally launched the work to construct approach roads to the new culvert bridge adjacent to the existing culvert two years ago. Incidentally, locals have been demanding a new culvert bridge at Dumane for over two decades.
“The works were, however, hampered and could not continue as one of three landowners had objected to work on the approach road as it passed through his land.” “The matter was then referred to the government, a special land acquisition committee was set up to acquire the required land. Unfortunately, the land acquisition committee reverted by asking authorities to obtain a gift-deed from the landowners,” said Fernandes.
Anticipating that the issue would be further delayed, Fernandes said the PWD has moved another proposal to repair and renovate the existing but accident-prone culvert-bridge at Dumane.
“We expect to proceed with the repairs and renovate it very soon. In the meanwhile, PWD is setting up precautionary measures to avoid further mishaps at the Dumane culvert bridge,” said Fernandes, but avoided responding to PWD’s decision to erect bamboo railings at the culvert bridge.
