NoMoZo - II at Panjim Goa 18th June Road (Non Motorised Zone)

NoMoZo II (Non Motorised Zone)

The second edition of the NoMoZo (Non Motorised Zone) in Goa was held in Panjim on 17th of June, 2012 on the 18th June Road at Panjim. A Sudden calm and peaceful atmosphere descended upon the usually busiest and most traffic congested road of Panjim.

Architect Talullah D’Silva, who conceptualized the idea of NoMoZo, along with the members of the Amchi Panaji group had got together to create an awareness among the public on the problems of traffic congestion, parking space and air pollution in the city. A number of activities were held along the 18th June Road. The 18th June road witnessed a very different set of people other those that usually rule the 18th June Road. On Sunday it was ruled by the Pedestrians, cyclists and roller skaters of all age groups. The children were enjoying the event the most with no scare of the traffic. The activities included Photo Exhibition (Sanjeev Sardessai), Karate demonstrations (Mr. Joseph Rodrigues) Quizzes, Paintings, football, carom, table tennis etc.

The Karate instructor Mr. Joseph Rodrigues along with his students of all age groups exhibition their martial arts skill also live demonstrations all along the 18th June, Road. Little children where seen painting on canvas, the mayor too joined in the festivities with trying a hand at painting.The NoMoZo participants braved heavy rain along the 18th June road and nothing could  dampen their spirits. The youth were seen dancing in the rain along the 18th June road to the tune of music.

Volunteers of Aamchi Panaji wearing Nomozo T-shirts along with the Goa traffic police and other authorities helped the in the traffic arrangements and road diversions to ensure the event went on without any problem.

The non-motorized zone from the CCP junction and old Education department building junction was full of people from different walks of life and of different age groups. who were seen either walking,  cycling,  jogging, roller skating, or involving in various games and events and to addresses the complex issue of and how all our city streets are filled with huge number of cars, bikes and other motorized forms of transport with the proper mix of activities that make walking an attractive and feasible transport option. Freeing the streets of motor vehicles. NoMoZo will allow people to move freely, decrease vehicular congestion, lower pollution caused by motorized emissions, improve health and sustain urban mobility. Many groups have extended support and will be participating at NoMoZo.

It is often said that “every city built has grown from the spine of its transportation system, like flesh around bones, whether a river, a trail, a railroad or a highway” (How Cities Work, Alex Marshal, University of Texas, 2000). This means that while walking was prevalent as a transport mode before, nowadays automobile trips are increasing exponentially as a result of that economic transformation. Now it is required to replace the same with Non Motorised Zone to serve as an adequate indicator of livability, sustainability and efficiency. Furthermore,it is established that the number of non motorized trips has a strong correlation with the ratio of job supply versus residents in a given location, as well as with the proper mix of activities that make walking an attractive and feasible transport option.

The next NoMoZo will be held on 15th July, 2012

Some photographs of the NoMoZo -II (NOn MOtorized ZOn)