MARGAO
Confusion prevails over the alignment of the NH-17 bypass in Cuncolim, even as locals say the bypass was scheduled to start from Sarzora as per RP 21 by running parallel to the Konkan railway line before joining the highway after the Balli Primary health centre.
That's not all. While PWD, national highway officials appears treading a cautious path, wary of making public the bypass alignment, sources said that the consultancy firm has roped in workers to carry out survey on proposed bypass alignment passing through the town via Uskinibandh. The Cuncolim council also appears in the dark over the proposed alignment of the bypass, with the City Fathers saying the Civic body has still not received the plan and design of the proposed bypass.
"The municipality has received no plan of the proposed bypass alignment passing through Cuncolim. We had conducted inquiries with the NH-17 Margao office, but the officials seemed keeping the entire alignment a closely guarded secret," remarked Cuncolim Municipal Councilor Mario Moraes.
Incidentally, Moraes informed that he had come across two workers reportedly engaged by the consultant, carrying out a survey of the alignment in his ward at Comba. "People of Cuncolim appears anxious to know the exact alignment of the bypass. The National Highway should not make the alignment a secret, but should take the people of Cuncolim into confidence," he said.
Incidentally, Moraes pointed out that the Cuncolim civic body had given its nod for the proposed NH-17 bypass passing through Sarzora, running parallel to the Konkan railway tracks, before coming out at the Balli primary health centre.
"This bypass alignment is the most appropriate one, since it was passing through fields and running parallel the railway tracks. We do not know why the NH is insisting on constructing the bypass from the Uskinibandh instead of Sarzoa," he added.
When The Goan contacted PWD, NH Executive Engineer, Rajendra Kamat to shed light on the Cuncolim bypass, he merely said his office has still not received a copy of the proposed alignment from the head office. "I have been only told that the NH has appointed a consultant to carry out a survey and work out the alignment. The alignment will be made public once it is finalized by the consultant and the NH officials," Kamat added.
