the goan I network
MARGAO
PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai, both members of the Cabinet Advisory Committee (CAC) on Thursday morning descended in the historical village of Chandor to take stock of the long-pending demand of the villagers agitating against the passing of the State Highway (SH8) through the village.
After discussions with local villagers in the presence of officials of the PWD and TCP, both Sudin and Vijai said they have understood the demand of the villagers, adding that they are now exploring the possibility of realigning the state highway. In this connection, the PWD has agreed to conduct a survey upon the request of the TCP and the survey work is expected to be completed within
two months.
After taking a round of the heritage Menezes Braganza house, which may be affected if the SH8 is allowed to pass through Chandor, the PWD Minister said he has visited the historical village to understand the reasons why people have been opposed to the state highway in the village. “Since the villagers are demanding for an alternate arrangement away from the village, we have decided to conduct a survey for a new state highway. Since the TCP had notified the SH years ago, it is now their duty to write to the PWD to conduct the survey to relocate the SH. We will try to complete the survey within 1-2 months,” Sudin said.
TCP Minister Vijai Sardesai told the media at the district Collectorate that the PWD Minister is now in agreement with the demand of the villagers.
When the media sough to know whether the government or the villagers have any alternate route in mind, the TCP Minister said the service road of the canal from Paroda has been suggested in some circles. “We will explore the possibility of having the state highway pass via the service road. But, let the PWD first conduct a survey of the service road and other alternatives,” he said.
When questioned whether there’s any need to plan for a state highway through the hinterland when the objective can be achieved with a major district road, the TCP Minister said government takes into account various factors before planning.
Chandor villagers had been agitating against the proposed State Highway passing through the village, fearing that the highway would devastate the historical village which is the home of many heritage houses and architectural sites.
