It is learnt that the Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) recently organized a unique ‘umbrella protest’ in the capital city highlighting the hardships faced by the pedestrians due water from air-conditioners falling on footpaths. This is the case not only in Panaji but other cities as well. Many government offices, banks, shops and houses using air-conditioners reportedly allow water to fall on the pavement making it difficult for pedestrians to walk on. There have also been instances of people especially senior citizens and children falling due to slippery conditions on the pavements. They may have to walk on the busy road in order to avoid the falling water thereby putting their lives at risk. One may argue that pavements are always wet during the rainy season but pedestrians are more careful while walking on a rainy day. The civic body needs to make it mandatory for those using air-conditioners to attach an outlet so that the water is released directly into the soil instead of the pavement. It can be harvested in a bucket kept outside and used to water the plants.
