Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The 600-metre road connecting MDR-49 (Canacona–Agonda–Khola road) to NH-66 at the foothills of Karmalghat between Gulem and Keri (Agonda) has become a cause of growing concern among locals, who are demanding its immediate widening and removal of dangerously leaning forest trees.
Initially laid as a forest access road, the stretch has now become one of the busiest routes in the taluka. It links Agonda and Dumane traffic directly to the highway and is frequently used by tourists heading towards Agonda, Khola, and even Palolem beach. Highway traffic is also often diverted through this road whenever the Gulem stretch of NH-66 is blocked, making it a critical lifeline.
Residents point out that the road is extremely narrow, forcing vehicles to cross each other with difficulty at only a few wider patches. The problem is compounded by tall forest trees leaning precariously over the road, raising fears that they could collapse on passing vehicles, particularly two-wheelers. Any tree fall brings traffic to a complete halt until fire and emergency personnel arrive to clear the way.
“The 600-metre stretch has two slopes, each so narrow that only one vehicle can pass at a time. With drainage running on both sides, it has become even more dangerous for motorists,” said former Agonda sarpanch Pramod Faldessai, calling for urgent intervention.
Echoing similar concerns, another former sarpanch Abel Borges stressed the importance of the link road. “This road is not just for Agonda and Dumane residents but also for tourists and highway traffic. In case of a blockade on NH-66, the entire flow is diverted through here. It has now become a lifeline and must be widened without delay,” Borges said.
