NIRGOSH GAUDE | NT
PONDA: Shiroda is facing a major problem of traffic congestion, narrow roads, unemployment, water shortage and sports ground for youth which have not been resolved for many years by various MLAs.
Mahadev Naik (BJP) Subhash Shirodkar (Congress), Abhay Prabhu (MGP), Molu Velip (AAP) Nilesh Gaonkar (independent) and Diya Shetkar (Independent) are in the fray for the Shiroda constituency seat.
The sitting MLA of Shiroda Mahadev Naik, is trying hard to overcome the anti-incumbency factor after serving the constituency for the last two terms.
Former Shiroda Congress MLA Subhash Shirodkar seems to be hitting the right notes to win the trust of the people. The sudden entry of MGP Abhay Prabhu has changed the political scenario in the constituency. Prabhu interestingly has the support from most of the panch members of four panchayats from Shiroda.
Shiroda comprises of Borim, Bethora, Panchawadi and Shiroda panchayat area.
From a sleepy village, nestled in idyllic surroundings with verdant greenery, to an educational hub, the makeover of Shiroda has come with certain problems which relate to traffic congestion and parking.
The constituency is also facing unemployment, shortage of drinking water and sports ground, which has not been resolved for several years.
Shiroda has the famous Kamakshi temple were thousands of people flock to the temple on Amavasya or new moon day located in Bhati area. To add to this, there exists a market in the same locality which has resulted in a lot of congestion.
The local MLA had assured a bypass road at Bhati to decongest the entire area and also a market complex in order to shift the present market from the main road. But the market complex has not become a reality and traffic congestion continues to haunt the commuters on a daily basis.
Roads which were not widened to keep pace with development are proving too narrow for the increase in traffic. Around three kilometres of a narrow stretch of road on the National Highway from Borim is causing hardship to the commuters.
The traffic island at Borim and the Bythocol roads have witnessed many fatal accidents and the roads cannot be widened due to cluster of houses on both sides of the road. The diversion of heavy traffic to Borim due to the weak Zuari Bridge has not only increased the traffic in Ponda taluka but has also weakened the Borim Bridge.
Due to constant traffic jams around Borim, life has become very difficult for the locals. According to Shiroda locals, no efforts are made to decongest the traffic flow.
With the increase in population the unemployment rate has also increased. The people of Shiroda have demanded a solution in providing more jobs to locals. Though the local MLA has given assurances, the employment scenario is yet to see the light of day. The sitting MLA despite being the industries minister has failed to bring in industries, claim the local youth.
Families in Nirankal and Talfan area are facing acute water shortages and have to depend on water tankers. According to locals their taps run dry for weeks and the authorities have done nothing to provide 24 hours water supply. The MLA Mahadev Naik has inaugurated the Mhaisal water treatment plant to resolve the water problems of Shiroda, but actual work of the plant is yet to start.