CANACONA
Stepping up their opposition to ongoing land-filling activity for a 4-lane road passing through the village, residents of Galgibaga have decided to stop the work from Monday, till all precautionary measures are put in place.
The residents took the decision at an Aam Admi Party (AAP) meeting at Galgibaga on Saturday evening, as AAP national secretary Pankaj Gupta discussed the issue with the locals in the presence of Poinguinim Sarpanch and Canacona Block BJP Party president Mahesh Naik.
The locals, who have previously complained about the haphazard manner of ongoing land-filling works for the proposed 4-lane road through the village, highlighted their concerns if precautionary measures are ignored by the PWD.
Gupta, who is AAP incharge for Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka, took strong objection to public complaints that the work was going on without safety measures like a retaining wall, while there was no provision for a drainage system. They also complained to Gupta about haphazard filling of mud into paddy fields.
“The Talpona-Galgibaga stretch is known for constant flooding, but authorities have not taken any precautionary measures before undertaking the land-filling works. This will not only block existing drainages, but the road itself will witness landslides as no retaining walls are constructed,” a resident feared.
Other residents complained that no site plan was shown to the public.
While attempting to pacify the agitated residents, Poinguinim Sarpanch Mahesh Naik, who was requested to remain present at the meeting, sought to clarify that the PWD had submitted a plan to the panchayat.
“Every panch member, including the panch of Galgibaga, is aware about the plan. But if locals still demand, I will request PWD officials to demonstrate the site plan to the residents,” said Naik, while admitting to the public concerns that necessary precautions are needed before actually taking up the land-filling work.
In their speeches, AAP’s Sandesh Telekar, Rajeshri Nagarshekar, Seby Fernandes, Valerian D’Silva and Jorson Gomes blamed the government for starting such a huge work, which could have adverse consequences on local residents, without proper planning and execution.
Residents finally decided to stop the ongoing land-fill works on Monday and to allow further work only after all precautionary measures are in place.
