Roadside stalls on national highways blamed for accident risks and negative tourist impressions
Panaji: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has expressed concern over the growing number of roadside “gaddas” operating along national highways, warning that the encroachments are creating safety hazards for motorists and damaging the state’s image among visitors.
Speaking during a virtual interaction with Swayampurna Mitras, nodal officers, panchayat representatives and grassroots workers as part of the 90-day Green Goa campaign, Sawant said he recently observed several roadside stalls positioned along highways near the Goa border.
Recalling his journey from Patradevi, the Chief Minister said numerous two-wheelers were parked in front of these stalls, increasing the risk of accidents. He noted that vehicles travelling at speed could easily collide with parked motorcycles or roadside structures, creating dangerous conditions for road users.
Sawant also highlighted the impact of such encroachments on tourism, stating that the sight of unregulated roadside businesses along key entry routes detracts from Goa’s appearance as a leading tourist destination.
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The concerns come amid continued road safety challenges in the state
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According to Transport Department data, Goa recorded 217 road accidents in April
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These included 24 fatal accidents and 119 non-injury incidents
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A significant number of those killed in road crashes were two-wheeler riders, underlining ongoing concerns about road safety
During the interaction, the Chief Minister also focused on environmental initiatives being undertaken under the Green Goa campaign. He reiterated the government’s target of planting nearly 10 lakh trees across the state between June 5 and September 5 as part of a large-scale afforestation drive.
Sawant further highlighted the Green NH-66 Mission, an initiative aimed at developing the Patradevi-to-Canacona stretch into a green corridor through extensive plantation efforts.
Calling for greater public participation, he urged citizens to support cleanliness drives, tree-planting activities and environmental conservation programmes, saying community involvement would be essential in building a cleaner and greener Goa.
