the goan I network
MARGAO
Rachol Sarpanch, Joseph Vaz, however, has sounded a note of caution. He pointed out that villagers from Rachol and Raia will have to remain alert and ensure that the new government that comes to power does
not pursue the bridge project, which he said will spell doom for the village and its tribal population dependent on agriculture.
Joseph told The Goan that the BJP-led government tried its level best to bulldoze with the Shiroda-Rachol bridge, but villagers from both Raia and Rachol foiled the government’s attempts during the last five years.
“Rachol is predominantly an agricultural village, with around 75 per cent tribal population dependent on agriculture. The Shiroda-Rachol would have devastated the fields and farming activity displacing the tribal population,” he said.
Replying to a question, Joseph pointed out that villagers of both Raia and Rachol will never allow the bridge to take shape and warned the government that comes to power after March 11 not to test the patience of the people of the two villages.
In fact, a host of resolutions adopted by gram sabhas of Rachol and Raia villages, followed by resolutions passed by the panchayat bodies had vehemently opposed the bridge over River Zuari between Shiroda in Ponda taluka and Rachol in Salcete.
The government in general and Industries Minister, Mahadev Naik, in particular, had argued in favour of the bridge as it would only shorten the distance between Shiroda to Margao by a several kilometers.
On the other hand, villagers opposed to the project argued that the bridge can take shape only after destroying agricultural fields and the serene environment of Rachol village, as the alignment was passing close to the Rachol centuries old Seminary.
