Fresh opposition to MDR plans in Velim, Macazana and Curtorim

MARGAO

The issue of the Major District Road (MDR) was at the centre of discussions during the gram sabhas of Velim, Macazana and Curtorim panchayats on Sunday.

At Velim, the meeting chaired by Sarpanch Veena Cardozo saw members once again object to the MDR passing through the thickly populated areas of Cumbeabhat and Baradi. They said tourists using Google Maps to reach Betul and Canacona are being directed through the narrow Cumbeabhat–Baradi road, creating risks for residents.

Members reminded that the matter had been raised at the previous gram sabha but no action was taken. The Sarpanch later said the panchayat would write to the government, conveying the concerns of the villagers.

In Macazana, the MDR plan sparked uproar at the meeting chaired by Sarpanch Agnelo D’Costa. A member pointed out that while the proposed road in Macazana is 25 metres wide, it narrows to 15 metres in neighbouring Guirdolim. Villagers feared the widening could lead to the demolition of homes and compound walls. Members asked the sarpanch to take up the issue with the Town and Country Planning Department.

At Curtorim, member J Santan Rodrigues said the MDR road planned through the Curtorim market should instead be declared a village road. He noted that an MDR already exists at Raloi Tollem in Curtorim and demanded that the government drop the new proposal.