----------------------------------------------------------------
FRIGHT AND THE FIGHT
* Agassaim residents fear fall of 11 houses, two showrooms, two religious structures and other structures
* Chaotic scene at St Lawrence Panchayat office where sarpanch James Alfonso is confronted on notification
* The sarpanch is of the opinion that, though beneficial, the project will adversely affect the businesses
* Goa Forward leader Durgadas Kamat also assures his support to the locals in the issue
* Similar opposition is also likely to take place among residents in other affected villages
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LIKELY LAND-GRAB
* Siridao: 9,945 sq mtrs
* Goa Velha: 41,606 sq mtrs
* Mencurim-Agassaim: 32,895 sq mtrs
* Penha-da-Franca: 17,005 sq mtrs
* Panaji: 2,345 sq mtrs
* Morambi-o-Pequeno and Cortalim: 7825 sq mtrs
* Bambolim: 6,380 sq mtrs
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opposition is brewing over the land acquisition for the construction of the four/six lane bridge, including approaches across River Zuari of NH17 highway, after a group of residents from Agassaim on Tuesday protested against the likely demolition of many structures in the village.
In its notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to acquire 1,34,919 sq mtrs of land across Panaji and seven villages for the “construction of four/six lane bridge including approaches across River Zuari of NH17 highway.”
The land sought to be acquired by MoRTH is located at Siridao (9,945 sq mtrs), Goa Velha (41,606 sq mtrs), Mencurim-Agassaim (32,895 sq mtrs), Penha-da-Franca (17,005 sq mtrs), Panaji (2,345 sq mtrs), Morambi-o-Pequeno and Cortalim (7825 sq mtrs), and Bambolim (6,380 sq mtrs).
The ministry also stated that the land "is required for building (widening/four-laning, etc) maintenance, management and operation of the NH17 highway.
While residents of Agassaim have already expressed anger after being kept in the dark over plans to acquire the land, similar opposition is also likely to take place among residents in other affected villages.
On Tuesday, a group of residents of Agassaim protested against the MoRTH notification to acquire land, fearing that over 11 houses, two showrooms, two religious structures and other structures would be demolished for road-widening and construction of a new Zuari bridge.
The residents visited the St Lawrence Panchayat office and confronted sarpanch James Alfonso about the notification.
Expressing their anger, residents of Agassaim and the vicinity said the government has published the notification in the dailies without taking the locals into confidence. They said many families in the vicinity would be adversely affected.
Claiming that a copy of the notification had not reached the panchayat office, Afonso said: “Though the project will be beneficial, it will adversely affect the business of locals in the area,” said Afonso.
“This highway will directly connect Bambolim and Verna, due to which Siridao, Goa Velha and Agassaim will be neglected. We have not received any copy of the notification and there is no use in blaming the panchayat,” he added.
Former St Andre MLA Francis Silveira said families in the area will be severely affected as houses, religious structures and showroom will be demolished to make way for construction of road for the new Zuari bridge.
“If people don't oppose to the proposed project, the government should compensate the affected families and also shift them to another place. A proposal should be presented to Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar in this connection and I will support the move,” assured Silveira.
Goa Forward leader Durgadas Kamat also assured his support to the locals in the issue.
“There is a need of serious talks with Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar and if people cooperate with me, I am ready to take up the initiative,” added Kamat.
