PERNEM: Fed up with governments’ neglect of the Kiranpani Aronda Bridge, a senior citizen took matters into his own hands. Raghoba Sonu Parab, who is a farmer, with a flowing white beard, travelled all the way from Palyem which is about 2 kilometres away to do the cleaning work on the bridge which is a vital link between Goa and Maharashtra.
The Kiranpani Aronda bridge is at least 308 metres long and cleaning the bridge on both sides would mean working in the sun and cleaning a total of 616 metres drain in total.
Instead of relaxing at home and playing with his grandchildren or looking after his farm, Raghoba, who is worn out by age still has admirable public concern and cares for sanitation. Merrily attired in a Santa Claus cap, and his flowing white beard, travelled to Kiranpani-Aronda Bridge, from Palyem, although he is immobile in terms of transport.
Raghoba took a lift on a two wheeler from his native, took a spade and started cleaning the Kiranpani Aronda Bridge drain. He is doing this work for last 3 years since local authorities have failed to do so.
“There is work to be done on the bridge. For the last 3 years I have been doing this work of cleaning the weeds growing in the drain. No one is paying attention to this. The local panchayat is not bothered. They have cleaned the roadsides, but this work I’m doing for the last three years,”Raghoba Sonu Parab,
Asked as to what motivates him to do this work he says, “It’s my enthusiasm to do such work. I’m happy to do this work. People should come forward and do such work, whenever they can.” Asked as to how long he would do the work, Raghoba stated that he started the work at 8 am and would work till 12 noon. Then he said he would return after lunch and labour till he finishes the work.