Calangute: A huge rush of tourists into Calangute-Baga on Saturday night led to massive traffic jams across the tourism belt, with roads packed with outstation and rental vehicles, tourist taxis and buses.The first long weekend of the new tourist season saw heavy traffic on roads leading to the Calangute-Candolim beach belt, including at Verem, Nerul, Pilerne and Parra. According to commuters and locals, traffic police were absent at most junctions, with only a few personnel seen issuing challans near Baga circle.Calangute sarpanch Joseph Sequeira said just three or four traffic cops were seen issuing challans to tourists for violations. “When there’s so much traffic, traffic cops have to be posted at all important locations.”Sequeira said the Calangute traffic cell was short-staffed and unable to deploy enough personnel during heavy tourist rushes.Resident Manuel Cardozo said traffic came to a standstill at Calangute market junction, where roads have been dug up for underground cabling. “In case of emergency, no ambulance will be able to come. Even police vehicles were stuck. There were only a few police at the beach area,” Cardozo said.Several minor incidents involving drunk tourists and residents over parking issues were also reported during the extended weekend, with vehicles blocking access to residential gates.
