Staff Reporter

Margao

Surveillance cameras installed on Cavelossim-Assolna bridge have not helped much in deterring youth from indulging in drinking in the open, especially on the bridge.

Worried over it, Cavelossim sarpanch Dixon Vaz on Saturday met the police inspector at the Colva police station and raised the issue with him.

“After installing cameras, the incidence of drinking on the bridge had stopped, but now it has started again. Youth stop on the bridge, play loud music and consume alcohol. On Friday evening, such persons were challaned and given a warning. There are also those who do motorcycle stunts on the bridge, especially on the weekends. Their two-wheelers have modified silencers creating blaring sound and doing stunts. They have to be stopped. I appeal to the parents to keep a watch on their children and we have also told the police to take action,” Vaz said.

On Friday, youngsters, who were found whiling away on the bridge and drinking alcohol, were issued challans and warned of an action by the panchayat.

In the past as well, locals and the panchayat had taken up the issue pointing out that the bridge had become a risky stretch to travel at night due to nuisance of youth who would drink alcohol and break bottles.

This had prompted the panchayat to take steps like installing CCTVs and urging police to step up patrolling on the bridge. However, the incident of Friday night again compelled the panchayat to raise the issue with the police.