MARGAO
Residents of Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim have joined their Cuncolim counterparts in demanding the implementation of the original bypass alignment, starting from the Sirlim residence of Velim MLA Filipe Neri Rodrigues and running parallel to the Konkan Railway tracks before joining the existing NH-17 after the Balli Primary Health Centre.
As the consultant engaged by the National Highways Authority of India braced up to demarcate all the three bypass alignments passing through Cuncolim town, the residents of Dandeavaddo made a fervent plea to the State and central government to stick to the bypass alignment starting near MLA Filipe Neri’s residence, saying the alignment does not result in demolition of any structure or displacement of human habitation.
Residents of both Cuncolim as well as Dandeavaddo had assembled near the St Sebastian Chapel junction at Chinchinim to take stock of the situation as the consultant was scheduled to start the demarcation work as per the instructions of TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai. The demarcation, however, will now take place only on Wednesday.
Speaking to The Goan, Dandeavaddo resident and Chinchinim village panchayat Deputy Sarpanch Valentino Barretto said the original bypass alignment, starting from MLA Filipe Neri’s residence, is the best alignment since it does not affect any house or structure. “Right now, the NHAI officials have no plan to build a bypass at Dandeavaddo, leaving the residents in a state of shock since the existing highway will only result in traffic snarls and will leave no room for the residents to expand their houses,” he said.
Barretto said the residents of Dandeavaddo support the demand of their Cuncolim counterparts to build the Cuncolim bypas along the railway tracks taking into account the future requirements, even as he thanked Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and TCP Minister for their intervention in the matter.
Cuncolim Municipal Council ward councillor Udesh Gaonkar, representing Panzorconne ward, said people of his ward are vehemently opposed to the NH-17 passing through Panzorconne, while demanding construction of the bypass along the railway tracks.
Incidentally, even as the local residents of Chinchinim and Cuncolim assembled on the NH-17 anticipating demarcation of the three alignments, TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai told the media on Tuesday morning that he would raise the issue with Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari for a solution.
