Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Even though the State government said it had implemented strict SOPs and made COVID19 negative certificate compulsory after the High Court order, the new rukles seems only on paper and just an eyewash.
A visit to the Margao Railway Station reveals no machinery to check whether the travellers have negative certificate or not. This could be a huge risk for the people of the State, which is under curfew since March 9 now.
Though the COVID19 certificate is made compulsory by district administration, the passengers have free entry at railway stations.
Except for vehicles bringing essential goods, medical items, Gas cylinders, oxygen etc, all others have to bring in COVID19 -ve certificate to enter Goa.
A visit to Margao station reveals there is no machinery to check the tourist or travellers at railway stations.
When Goemkarponn contacted Dy Regional Manegaer Konkan Railway Baban Ghatge he said they are checking the certificates and informing the details to state government.
“This process was followed from the first wave. But we don’t have the much needed machinery and manpower now. During first lockdown the district administration had setup a counter at the main entrance,” he informed.
At Margao station once can only see thermal checking is done at the main entrance and name and address is taken down, what’s the reason of visit and detail about were they will stay is been asked.
The Bombay High Court (Goa Bench) on Tuesday (May 18) dismissed two application filed by the Government of Goa seeking vacation/modification of Court’ order which directed the State to ensure that persons entering into the State possess a COVID negative certificate.
The Bench of Justice M. S. Sonak and Justice M. S. Jawalkar had, on May 6, directed the Goa State Administration to ensure that no persons are permitted in the State without negative certificate issued within 72 hours of entry.
The high court clarified also said, “This is not a case of sealing the borders. This is only a case where steps are taken to ensure that the persons who are entering into Goa are not already tested as Covid positive so that they do not contribute to the spread of the epidemic and at the same time are cared for better in their own state.”
The high court said that the state government should have imposed these minimum restrictions in the public interest on its own. The Division Bench was hearing few Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to Covid-19 pandemic in Goa.
The court further said that if the pandemic is to be contained, such minimum restrictions are required to be adopted, as done by other states
