the goan I network
MARGAO
Residents of Cuncolim and Chinchinim have made a fervent plea to the government and the National Highways to finalise the alignment of the Cuncolim bypass taking into account the long-term traffic movement along the national highway.
A total of three alignments of the Cuncolim bypass, prepared by the consultants engaged by the National Highways, were presented before the people at an interaction in the district Collectorate, South attended by Water Resources Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues and Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias.
While the consultants said that the Transport Ministry is in favour of the third alignment, which starts from Uskiniband-Cuncolim, before moving towards Sanvorcotto-Comba before joining the existing highway near the Balli PHC, residents contended that the very concept of the bypass would be defeated if the existing highway passing through Cuncolim is shifted just a kilometer away from the market area.
In fact, residents of Dandeavaddo of Chinchinim and Panzorconne-Cuncolim have come out strongly in favour of alignment one, wherein the bypass starts from Sirlim village gate restaurant before running parallel to the Konkan railway tracks and joining the existing NH at Balli PHC.
“I do not see any responsible officer at the presentation. We as elected representatives are answerable to our constituencies. Sadly, we do not see any official above the rank of Assistant Engineer,” the WRD Minister said, making it clear that people cannot be taken for a ride by deputing an officer of a level of AE and consultants. Rodrigues also said they should know what the Centre thinks since the project is sponsored by the Union Road Transport Ministry.
When the media pointed out that the Centre has come out in favour of the third alignment, which would cost the exchequer less compared to the two other, Rodrigues said the Centre should adopt a holistic approach while deciding taking into account all factors.
Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias, who had arranged the presentation said that no alignment has been finalized till date.
“Houses will go for demolition along all three alignments. Former CM Manohar Parrikar had favoured the first alignment, but it will cost an additional Rs 100 crore. We will weigh options before deciding,” Clafacio added.
Poiting that hardly one or two Cuncolim councilors had turned up for the presentation, the Cuncolim MLA said, “I expect the Cuncolim Municipal Councilors to attend the presentation so that they in turn can explain the matter to the people.”
