In a decisive move to tackle the growing problem of illegal encroachments along its vital national highways, authorities in North Goa have put forward a significant proposal. The plan involves hiring a dedicated fleet of patrolling vehicles for the Public Works Department (PWD) to monitor and enforce right-of-way regulations.
Proposal Awaits Government Sanction
The initiative was discussed and forwarded during a recent meeting of the North Goa District Road Safety Committee (DRSC). The meeting was chaired by Additional Collector Gurudas Desai. The core of the proposal is the deployment of three specialized patrolling vehicles along key highway stretches that have seen a rise in unauthorized occupations.
The estimated cost for hiring these three vehicles for the enforcement drive is approximately Rs 34 lakh. However, this crucial step is currently on hold, pending the essential expenditure sanction from the state government. Once approved, the vehicles will become operational tools for the PWD.
Target Highways and Specific Trouble Spots
The proposed patrol units are slated for deployment on some of Goa's busiest and most critical road corridors. These include NH 66, NH 748, and NH 748-AA. The committee identified specific locations where encroachments are causing safety and traffic concerns.
A primary area of concern highlighted during the DRSC meeting is the operation of roadside vendors near the Holy Cross Church at Bambolim, along with other problematic zones across North Goa. Committee representatives called for stringent action from the PWD's Division VII, which handles national highways.
The recommended actions are clear and structured:
- Immediate removal of vendors who are occupying highway shoulders.
- Video documentation of the entire eviction process to ensure procedural transparency and record-keeping.
- Formal written communication to be sent to the local panchayat, police station, and mamlatdar concerned to coordinate efforts and maintain accountability.
A Step Towards Safer Highways
This proposal underscores a growing recognition of the dangers posed by highway encroachments. Illegal structures and vending activities on road shoulders not only disrupt traffic flow but also create major safety hazards for both motorists and pedestrians. The plan to deploy dedicated PWD patrols represents a proactive, on-ground strategy to reclaim public right-of-way and enhance road safety across North Goa's major transport arteries. The effectiveness of this measure now hinges on the state government's timely approval and sanction of the required funds.
