The recurring traffic chaos and public inconvenience caused by large-scale commercial events in residential areas of Panaji have become a serious concern. The recent three-day Octoberfest at the Bhausaheb Dayanand Bandodkar Ground in Campal, coinciding with the Ironman 70.3 Goa triathlon at Miramar, brought traffic on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg to a standstill, disrupting normal life across the capital. It is difficult to understand why the government and semi-government agencies, including the Corporation of the City of Panaji, continue to grant permissions for such events in an already congested city. Panaji has virtually no adequate parking facilities, while the stretch from Kala Academy to Miramar is narrow and poses safety risks. Instead of subjecting residents to repeated inconvenience, the authorities should consider shifting such events to the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium at Taleigao plateau, which offers better parking facilities and more space. This would provide much-needed relief to residents of Panaji and neighbouring areas.
JERRY FERNANDES, Saligao
