Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim locals seek clarity from the government over their demand
Dandeavaddo residents have demanded clarity from the government as PWD proceeds with soil testing for a flyover, rejecting the proposal that they say risks homes and lives.
MARGAO
With the National Highway division of the State PWD carrying out soil testing along the proposed flyover alignment, agitated residents of Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim on Monday demanded clarity from the government on their long-standing demand for a road bypass on NH-66.
Accompanied by Velim MLA Cruz Silva and Chinchinim Panchayat members led by sarpanch Frank Viegas, the residents have threatened to chalk out a future course of action to intensify their decade-old agitation seeking a road bypass.
Velim MLA Silva later told the media that he has written to PWD Minister Digambar Kamat to convene a joint meeting between the residents and PWD officials to shed light on the exact alignment and scope of NH-66 within the Velim constituency; assess the social and environmental impact of the proposed expansion; ensure community consultation and transparency at all planning stages; and explore alternative alignments or mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable areas.
“Velim is a constituency built on heritage, ecology and community strength. Development must proceed with full awareness and respect for these values. I trust your leadership will ensure that our people are not left in the dark and that their voices are heard,” Cruz said in his letter.
He said: “The proposed expansion of National Highway 66 (NH-66), particularly the stretch between Navelim and Cuncolim, promises improved connectivity, but it has also triggered deep concern among residents of Velim and Chinchinim due to the lack of clarity surrounding its alignment and potential impact on homes, livelihoods and community spaces.”
He added: “Recent announcements by the Union Ministry have confirmed flyovers at Panzorconne and bypasses in Cuncolim, but no concrete information has been shared regarding Velim, despite repeated appeals from local stakeholders. The absence of transparency has led to confusion and anxiety, especially in areas like Dandeavaddo and Chinchinim, where residents fear displacement and disruption.”
Local resident Manisha Pai Angle told the media that the residents of Dandeavaddo have been waging a battle demanding a road bypass instead of a flyover. “We have only been given assurances that the government will look into our demands. But now the PWD is conducting soil testing for the proposed flyover. We want clarity on the issue. We will chalk out the future course of action,” she said.
Former sarpanch Valentino Barretto blamed PWD officials for changing the alignment from a road bypass to a flyover without taking the locals into confidence. “Just imagine a mishap takes place on the proposed flyover and vehicles land on residential houses along the flyover alignment. This has happened elsewhere in the country. We do not need such development that puts the lives of residents at risk,” he said.
Sarpanch Frank Viegas said the local Comunidade bodies have even issued No Objection Certificates for land acquisition for the proposed road bypass, as sought by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, but the government is yet to announce a road bypass at the Dandeavaddo stretch of NH-66.
