In Porvorim, the ongoing construction of an elevated corridor along National Highway 66 has escalated into a daily battleground, pitting residents and commuters against the relentless forces of dust pollution and traffic chaos. What is meant to be a progressive infrastructure project has morphed into a tormenting predicament, transforming routine commute into an arduous journey. In fact, it appears that lessons have not been learnt by authorities from the turmoil of Smart City in Panaji which Ponjekars had to endure for nearly two years.
The challenges in Porvorim are glaringly evident, particularly during peak hours when traffic thickens. As vehicles traverse the congested highway, thick dust clouds add to the discomfort caused by vehicular gridlocks. Two-wheeler riders, often the most vulnerable, are left susceptible to inhaling harmful particles and falling prey to slippery and uneven road stretches. While the construction company manages water-spraying operations, the efficacy of this strategy is in question. Many residents argue that while they appreciate the effort, the resulting mud makes roads even more treacherous and leads to frequent skidding incidents.
The elevated corridor project, anticipated to enhance connectivity in the long term, has become a short-term liability for motorists. Traffic jams have become ubiquitous, stretching for blocks and transforming once routine drive times into marathon sessions. For residents and businesses in the area, the situation is exacerbated. People share tales of fine dust permeating their premises despite their best efforts to keep windows shut. The adverse health effects — ranging from respiratory issues to eye irritations — are now common complaints. The decision by some motorists to detour via internal routes is indicative of the desperation to avoid the hellish stretch that NH-66 has added to the chaos internally.
It appears that the project lacked the necessary planning to mitigate issues of dust pollution. The contractor seems to be reluctant to invest in a mechanised broomer to tackle dust pollution because some portions of the roads are already hot-mixed. The question is, why were measures not put in place earlier, and why was the public exposed to such health hazards? If we may recall, a few aggrieved citizens of Panaji belatedly moved the high court citing adverse effects on health due to dust pollution caused by smart city works. Their plea prompted the judges to descend on the streets of the capital city to take a first-hand account.
Sadly, authorities have completely ignored safety concerns, knowing well the consequences of such a project. From covering exposed construction areas with tarpaulins to deploying mechanized road sweepers and installing air purifiers in residential areas, there were plenty of options available that could have helped mitigate the health risks.
As the elevated corridor project teeters between promise and peril, the communities along the treacherous Porvorim stretch grapple with the dilemma of progress encroaching upon daily life. It’s a stark reminder that while development is essential, the well-being of residents and commuters cannot become collateral in the process. The daily clouds of dust and traffic congestion are more than just an inconvenience — they pose grave health risks. It is high time authorities act decisively and ensure that the benefits of infrastructure projects do not come at such heavy costs to the very people they are meant to serve.
