Arti Gond’s Death – a Wake-Up Call for Goa

The recent tragic death of 19-year-old Arti Gond in Panaji, Goa, has shaken the entire state to its core. Gond lost her life when a tree uprooted near Church Square, sparking widespread shock and concern. This incident has raised crucial questions regarding the safety and accountability of ongoing Smart City development projects across the town.
Panaji MLA Babush Monseratte was prompt in attributing blame to Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited, suggesting that the tree fell due to the cutting of roots during Smart City works. The allegations have added further controversy to the situation, prompting a call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Gond’s tragic passing.
Although the Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh to Gond’s family, it is evident that the issues at hand extend far beyond financial compensation. The loss of Gond’s life and the subsequent allegations of negligence during Smart City development demands a comprehensive review and accountability.
There has to be thorough investigations into the matter. Call the contractor, labourers and probe, who cut the roots. Finally, the officials of IPSCDL cannot claim they are innocent and they need to be punished.
The tragic incident involving Gond is not an isolated case within the context of the ongoing Smart City works. Reports indicate that three lives have already been claimed due to the development, including a labourer at Rinandar, a bike rider at Mala, and now Gond’s unfortunate demise. These incidents raise serious concerns about the safety protocols and adherence to regulations during such large-scale projects.
Furthermore, the Smart City works appear to be in direct violation of a High Court directive, which mandated the completion of the works by May 31. Despite this, the projects remain incomplete, and the consequences are starkly visible. The state of disarray resulting from the ongoing development, including open electrical and other cables amidst heavy rains, poses a significant risk to public safety.
The ramifications of the Smart City works are not limited to Gond’s untimely death and the previous fatalities. The infrastructure projects have also led to severe flooding, tree-falling incidents, and looming threats of landslides. The perturbing reality is that the ongoing developments are transforming Goa into a perilous environment for its residents.
As the backlash intensifies, it is imperative for authorities and stakeholders to recognize the urgent need for corrective actions. The death of Arti Gond serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers posed by unregulated development. It is crucial for the state to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and to hold accountable those responsible for endangering lives.
Gond’s tragic death serves as a sombre wake-up call for the entire state of Goa. It underscores the critical need for stringent oversight, accountability, and adherence to regulations in all development projects. The authorities must prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens above all else, and take swift and decisive actions to rectify the situation and prevent further tragedies. Goa cannot afford to wait for more lives to be lost before necessary changes are implemented.