VASCO
Newly-elected Cortalim Independent MLA Anton Vas has decided to put up three new proposals to the State government in a bid to find a one-stop solution to many issues plaguing residents of Cortalim who are affected due to highway works.
Vas on Friday conducted a major joint inspection with officials of PWD, WRD, Highways and officials of DBL taking up the works on the highway and the new Zuari Bridge, to understand the ground reality behind the regular water-logging of areas near Vailankanni Chapel, clogging of drains leading to flooding, rising motor accidents, service roads and conservation of fields along the highway.
Speaking to reporters after the joint inspection that lasted for over three hours, Vas said he has proposed a service road parallel to the highway to help motorists move from the highway towards Quelossim, besides proposing a speed breaker at Cortalim Cross junction to reduce accidents and five new culverts to save fields along the highway.
"I have shown authorities how all drains have been choked which could lead to flooding, and DBL has assured to clear the drains before monsoons and they have begun work. I have told them to remove all debris because it will flow during rains and clog the drains again," said Vas.
"There is waterlogging and flooding in Vailankanni Chapel in Sotrant every year, and this causes hardships to residents and devotees. This time, engineers have advised a culvert box in the area and once this is installed, it will resolve the issue of flooding," said Vas.
He also justified the need for a service road.
"There is a road that leads from the highway to Quelossim panchayat and while people can go from Quelossim to Margao side, there is no cross access on the highway for people from Margao side towards Quelossim. They have to go all the way down to Santrant and take a U Turn to go to Quelossim.”
“We have now proposed a service road parallel to the highway connecting this Quelossim internal road and the Kesarval Hotel junction so that it becomes easier for people from either side to use the internal Quelossim road," said Vas.
"Thirdly, farmers in the area have been facing hardships and even suffered losses because of water-logging in the low-lying fields. The 7 cross drain pipes have been choked and water does not pass through and stagnates in the fields.”
“We have now asked the PWD to give us culverts at five different locations along the highway having fields on either side so that the issue is resolved and farming activity can be continued. Authorities have assured to take up work on these culverts soon," said Vas.
"There are also rising cases of accidents at Cortalim Cross junction, and I plan to have speed breakers at these locations for the safety of motorists and pedestrians," said Vas.
