MARGAO
Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira on Saturday pointed out that the PWD has not finalised the alignment for the new high level Borim Bridge, even he has tried to allay apprehensions of the Loutolim farmers by saying the bridge will be built on stilts and through land filling.
Sequeira fielded questions on the controversial bridge after distributing free seeds and fertilisers to the farmers of Verna area, when farmers from Loutolim have been waging a battle to protect their khazan fields from being destroyed by the new Borim Bridge.
Saying there is no doubt that the new Borim bridge has come to come, the Nuvem MLA, however, said it is his endeavour that no house goes for demolition to make way for the bridge.
In this respect, Sequeira said he has asked the PWD to conduct survey so that the best bridge alignment is implemented. “I had meetings with the PWD officials, but the work slowed down in view of the intervening election code of conduct. Let us wait and see how the PWD proposes the best alignment. The people have expressed their opinion. Ultimately, the government will take a decision keeping in mind the interests of the people,” he said, while strongly batting for the new Borim bridge.
When it was pointed out to him that while he is distributing seeds and fertilisers at Verna, the farmers of Loutolim are protesting against the land acquisition for the new Borim Bridge. Sequeira shot back by saying the new Borim Bridge will be built on stilts, adding that the farmers can continue their agricultural operations below the proposed bridge.
Saying that the bridge alignment is not yet finalised, the Nuvem MLA said the PWD and the people will sit and decide the best alignment for the new bridge.
On his decision to distribute free seeds and fertilisers to the farmers even though the people did not for the ruling party in the Lok Sabha polls, Sequeira said, “I cannot deny the fact that people did not vote for the BJP. But, I cannot differentiate the people who have voted for the BJP and the Opposition. Hence the seeds and fertilisers will be distributed free without any discrimination. In respect the verdict of the people. I don’t believe in revenge politics,” he asserted.
