For the residents ofCanacona the construction of twin bridges across Galgibaga and Talpona rivers mayjust remain a dream.
Since 1985 politiciansof all hues have raised the issue of the twin bridges, both in the Stateassembly and the Parliament but failed to get things moving on the ground.
A foundation stone forthe Galgibhaga bridge was laid way back in 1983, but surprisingly the SportsMinister Ramesh Tawadkar, who is also the local MLA of Canacona was unaware ofthe foundation stone. “No foundation stone was laid for the Galgibaga bridge.We will lay the stone by December,” Tawadkar told The Goan.
After 1983 everygovernment that came to power made assurances to take up work on the bridges butfailed to keep up to their promises.
In the absence of a bridge at Galgibaga school and college students haveto dangerously walk over the Konkan Railway bridge cum track, which is at aheight of around thirty meters from the ground.
People from the adjoiningareas have to rely on motorboats to ferry them across the river. Seniorcitizens are the worst affected lot especially during the monsoons.
“The bridges overrivers Galgibaga and Talpona will not only shorten the distance but will alsosave time and fuel consumption,” said Ajay Bhagat Chairman of Canacona MunicipalCouncil.
According to PWD engineersin Canacona over 8000 vehicles ply to and fro on the route every day. In theabsence of a bridge the vehicles have to take a detour via the main bazaar atChaudi-Poinginium-Mashem. The bridge can shorten the distance by at least 14 to15 kilometers.
“The canoe serviceswhich were available at Tolpona have been suspended for the last five years andmotorboats service was introduced. But the motorboats do not function properly duringthe low tide,” informed Mahesh Naik Sarpanch of Poinginium Village Panchayat.
According to Loliem-Polem Sarpanch, Bhushan Prabhugoankar and PoinguinimSarpanch, Mahesh Naik the twin bridges will be of maximum help to residents of boththe panchayats. The government must make serious efforts to construct thebridge on top priority, they said.
When the motorboat servicewas launched at Galgibaga, the residents of Galgibaga and Maxem had high hopes. The motorboat was meant to serve the needs of the residents. Butunfortunately it was later found that at low tides the motorboat could not beoperated.
The motorboat serviceis free but the timings are a big drawback. The service is closed to public at 7pm. During late nigh medical emergencies, when the residents of Galgibaga haveto rush to Mashem, they have to use alternative means of transport in theabsence of the motorboat service.
Sports Minister RameshTawadkar who is also the local MLA of Canacona said that according to hisinformation there is no foundation stone laid for the bridge. “We will lay thefoundation stone for the bridge in December. The construction of the bridgewill be taken up simultaneously during the expansion of National Highway in thearea,” Tawadkar said.
