lim AAP MLA Cruz Silva has demanded that the concerned authorities immediately convene a joint meeting with the National Highway authorities, Goa PWD, local representatives and residents of Dandewado-Chinchinim to resolve the demand for diversion of the proposed NH66 expansion outside the village, warning that failure to address the issue will leave the people with no option but to take to the streets.
Cruz Silva said the residents are not opposed to the expansion of National Highway 66 or development, but strongly object to the proposed alignment passing through the inhabited areas of Dandewado. He maintained that the highway should be realigned through an alternative route outside the village to protect homes, properties and the safety of residents.
All concerned Sarpanchas and Panchayat members from the affected areas met Cruz Silva and discussed the issue of the proposed NH66 alignment and the concerns being raised by residents. The local representatives supported the demand for a diversion outside the village and urged the authorities to address the matter before proceeding further.
Cruz Silva pointed out that the demand for diversion is not new and recalled that before 2010, the government had agreed to the diversion of the National Highway through an alternative alignment. He questioned why the earlier decision and the concerns of the local community were not being adequately considered while proceeding with the present expansion plans.
The MLA reiterated that the Communidade NOC for the proposed alternative route has already been obtained and submitted to the PWD. He said the availability of an alternative route outside the village makes it necessary for the authorities to sit across the table with the local community and examine the proposal seriously.
“First call the joint meeting and resolve the issue. If the authorities continue to ignore the genuine demand of the people and fail to discuss the diversion with all stakeholders, we will have no option but to hit the streets,” Cruz Silva said.
He said the joint meeting should include representatives of the National Highway authorities, Goa PWD, local Panchayats, residents and the MLA so that the alignment, proposed diversion, safety concerns and impact on existing properties can be discussed transparently.
The MLA also reiterated concerns raised by residents regarding soil testing being carried out in the area. Locals have reportedly complained of vibrations from heavy machinery and cracks appearing in some houses during the testing. He demanded that the affected structures be inspected and the concerns properly assessed before further work is undertaken.
Cruz Silva said development cannot be imposed at the cost of the safety and security of residents. “We are not against development and we are not against NH66. We are only demanding that the highway expansion be planned responsibly and that the alternative diversion outside the village be considered,” he said.
He warned that if the authorities fail to convene the joint meeting and resolve the diversion issue, the people of the affected villages will be compelled to launch a democratic protest against the proposed alignment.
Cruz Silva
MLA – Velim (AAP)
