AERIAL VIEW
It’s too early to blame the driver or the government here. Prima facie, the fault seems to be of the driver, who was overtaking another vehicle but blaming the driver would not help in any way. Simply because we do not know under what circumstances the accident took place.
We all know how pathetic the situation of the old Zuari bridge is, and the maximum speed limit is 30 kph; overspeeding is simply creating more damage to the age-old structure.
However, where the government and Goa police need to be blamed is despite knowing that the vehicles Overspeed at night, why is there no check? Why are there no speed breakers or no night patrolling on the bridge?
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
We all dream of a clean city where there is no garbage on the road, where one does not hear vehicle horns constantly, where civic amenities are available when you need them, where there is no accidents.
But is it really happening in our State? Who is responsible for this? Who should take the blame for it? I am sure many will jump and blame the government.
I agree with the fact that partial blame lies with the government of the day and the governing bodies, but what about us? Have we ever questioned ourselves? Have we, in the true sense of the word, been doing what we require as responsible citizens?
There are many more points to add to the above. The idea is that true citizenship must start at your level and then go higher. First, let us all pledge to be responsible citizens. Then fifty per cent of common problems will be solved automatically.
Now take, for example, the accident at Zuari last night when four people lost their lives.
In the initial reaction, the eyewitnesses said the vehicle driver was overtaking another vehicle when it lost control and hit the barricade and plunged into the river.
It’s too early to blame the driver or the government here. Prima facie, the fault seems to be of the driver, who was overtaking another vehicle but blaming the driver would not help in any way. Simply because we do not know under what circumstances the accident took place.
We all know how pathetic the situation of the old Zuari bridge is, and the maximum speed limit is 30 kph; overspeeding is simply creating more damage to the age-old structure.
However, where the government and Goa police need to be blamed is despite knowing that the vehicles Overspeed at night, why is there no check? Why are there no speed breakers or no night patrolling on the bridge?
The Goa police simply cannot blame anyone. Yes, the people have to be responsible and not Overspeed, but it is the job of the police to see that the people do not violate the rules and not take it for granted that people would not do it.
In the present case, though the driver seems to be on the wrong side, what is alarming is to learn is how weak is the current Zuari bridge is? With a car dash, the entire railing crashes tell a lot about the structure? At least now, the government should speed up and open the new bridge for the sake and safety of commuters before another tragedy strikes Goa.
It has been years since we heard that the new signature bridge would be ready soon, but several lives have been lost on this old road between the start of the work and before it ends. We do not know when the authorities will open their eyes and expedite the work on the new bridge so that the precious lives of the Goans are saved.