Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Jun 6: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has raised concerns over the growing number of roadside stalls, locally known as “gaddas”, along national highways in Goa, saying they pose serious safety risks and negatively impact the state's image among tourists.

Addressing Swayampurna Mitras, nodal officers, panchayat representatives and grassroots workers during a virtual interaction on the 90-day Green Goa campaign, Sawant said he noticed several such stalls during a recent trip from the Goa-Maharashtra border at Patradevi.

The Chief Minister pointed out that many of these roadside establishments attract parked two-wheelers and other vehicles along busy highways, creating hazardous conditions for motorists and increasing the risk of accidents.

He also noted that these encroachments affect the visual appeal of Goa, particularly for visitors entering the state, and called for greater attention to maintaining orderly and safe road corridors.

According to Transport Department data, Goa recorded 217 road accidents in April, including 24 fatal crashes. A significant number of the fatalities involved two-wheeler riders, underlining ongoing road safety concerns across the state.

During the interaction, Sawant also highlighted the government's environmental initiatives under the Green Goa campaign and stressed the need for active public participation in conservation and cleanliness drives.

Reaffirming the state's afforestation goals, he said the government aims to plant nearly 10 lakh trees between June 5 and September 5 as part of a large-scale plantation programme.

He further highlighted the Green NH-66 Mission, an initiative designed to transform the highway stretch from Patradevi to Canacona into a green corridor through extensive tree plantation efforts.

Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Minister urged citizens, local bodies and community volunteers to support environmental and cleanliness initiatives to help create a safer, cleaner and greener Goa.