the goan I network
VASCO
Plans for a major traffic diversion for vehicles plying between Panaji and Margao via Cortalim Circle for about eight months, which is expected to be finalised by January 5, has been generating angry reactions in panchayat areas surrounding the new Zuari bridge site.
In a bid to provide relief to several thousands of motorists likely to be affected on a daily basis, Cortalim Dy Sarpanch Raymond De Sa has now offered an innovative suggestion to the builders of the bridge to possibly avoid the need to divert traffic between Panaji and Margao via Cortalim Circle.
“The builders, DBL, can have a service road on both sides of the stretch of the road between Cortalim circle and Sharayu Toyota showroom so that traffic is not affected and there is no need to close the road while girders are being fixed on pillars erected along the 3.5-km stretch,” said de Sa.
“The service road will also ensure that the safety of motorists is taken into account, while bridge works are being undertaken by the contractor.”
The deputy sarpanch suggested that DBL negotiate with farmers on both sides of the present stretch of highway near the Cortalim junction and acquire around 6 mtrs of land on either side of the road on temporary basis and compensate the farmers for the acquired land. “There was an inspection of the stretch of road by the Dy Collector, Mamlatdar, Talathi, the contractor and I was invited for a discussion. I have suggested that the builders can have a discussion with farmers to fill the fields along a 6-mtr width on both sides of the road
and assure to restore it to its original condition once the work is over.”
De Sa said the builders were to have a meeting with PWD officials on Friday and get back to him.
“They are expected to give me by Monday the list of affected paddy farmers, where the fields can be filled for the service roads. They have not given me the list as yet and I had told them to give it to me by Saturday, so that I can announce it in churches and temples in the area.” “A meeting has been convened with affected field owners in Cortalim Panchayat on January 2,” said de Sa.
De Sa said he had requested the builders to compensate the affected farmers for the last two years before taking up the next step. “I was shocked when the builder said they had not received any application for compensation of farmers from the Talathi. I have told them that they would have to first compensate farmers for the last two years and they can then have a service road by filling 6 mtrs land on either side of the road in the paddy fields.”
“The builder would have to compensate the farmers for this land filling work as well, besides assuring to restore their fields after their work is completed.”
“I have also said if this proposal is accepted, there is no need for any traffic diversion,” said de Sa.
