Margao: Residents of Seraulim organized a peaceful candlelight march in the village to honor a young man from Navelim who tragically died in a road accident on May 30. The protest, held under the banner of Seraulim, was a somber event where villagers offered prayers and expressed their grief and frustration over the recurring road safety issues in their area.
Community Demands Action on Road Safety
The villagers voiced their concerns about the lack of response from authorities despite numerous appeals to address the dangerous conditions at the accident-prone zone. They called for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
Benaulim MLA Joins Protest
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas joined the candlelight protest, urging senior PWD officials to address the road issues plaguing Seraulim. “This accident could have been averted if the PWD had taken cognizance of the representations made by the local panchayat body. Similar mistakes are being made at Benaulim near the Mercado mall with the construction of a culvert posing danger to motorists,” he stated.
Activist Highlights Long-Standing Issues
Social activist Santolino Rodrigues highlighted the ongoing struggle of the villagers to get the authorities’ attention. “The recent death of a young person from Navelim has agitated the villagers. Since 2022, we have made several representations regarding the underpass and its adjoining road, but no action has been taken. The faulty designed railway underpass is believed to be the cause of the recent fatal accident,” Rodrigues said.
He further added that the underpass is illegal, with no formal sanction or opening, and becomes inundated with even slight rainfall, posing a drowning risk.
Structural Issues Persist
During the protest, the height barrier of the Seraulim subway collapsed, shocking motorists. Eyewitnesses reported that the barrier, which had been hanging precariously, finally came down when a four-wheeler was using the road. This incident underscored the urgent need for infrastructure improvements in the area.
Conclusion
The peaceful march by the residents of Seraulim was not just a tribute to the lost youth but also a powerful statement demanding action and accountability from the authorities to prevent future accidents and ensure the safety of all road users.
