MAPUSA
Residents of Saligao raised concerns over the lack of public transport connectivity, particularly affecting those residing in Arrarim, during the gram sabha meeting.
Locals complained that private bus operators refuse to ply along the Arrarim village road, causing hardship to residents, especially senior citizens and students.
Raising the issue, resident Liberata Madeira pointed out that only one Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) bus operates on the Arrarim route, while private buses prefer using the Chogm road, which has fewer residential houses.
She alleged that bus drivers and conductors create hassles and refuse to take the Arrarim route when requested.
Madeira urged the panchayat to arrange more Kadamba buses, stating it was impractical for residents to repeatedly argue with bus staff.
Echoing similar concerns, another gram sabha member said senior citizens face difficulty walking long distances with heavy bags due to the lack of bus services on the route.
Responding to the grievances, Saligao Sarpanch Lucas Remedios assured residents that the issue would be taken up with the RTO department.
He said an RTO official would be invited to the panchayat, allowing affected citizens to present their issues for early resolution.
The gram sabha also discussed problems related to stray cattle causing nuisance on village roads, with residents seeking action against cattle owners. Additionally, villagers highlighted incomplete hotmixing work on the cemetery road.
The sarpanch assured that hotmixing of remaining stretch would be completed soon.
