MARGAO
What was feared by the residents of Dandeavaddo-Chinchinim that the government would bulldoze with the highway expansion work on the NH66 has finally come true after heavy construction machinery was deployed in the area for pile testing, to pave the way for the construction of the four-lane highway on stilts.
The development has come as a shock to residents, who have been waging a sustained campaign against the proposed elevated road and demanding that the government construct a bypass instead.
Over the past several years, residents have approached authorities at various levels, including Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging them to reconsider the proposal to build the highway on stilts through Dandeavaddo.
With the residents expecting the government to consider their long-pending demand for a bypass, the commencement of pile testing has left them disappointed and angry.
Outgoing Chinchinim Sarpanch Frank Viegas said residents strongly object to the ongoing work for the proposed NH66 flyover at Dandeavaddo, particularly when they have consistently maintained that a bypass would be a safer and more practical alternative.
He recalled that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had assured residents that their demand for a bypass would be considered. “However, despite waiting for a clear written response from the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister, the concerned authorities are proceeding with the work of pile testing,” he lamented.
Expressing disappointment over the commencement of work, Viegas said the government could not ignore the residents’ more than decade-long struggle and efforts to seek a bypass.
He demanded an immediate halt to further work until the issue is properly reviewed and sought a written response from the Chief Minister and the PWD Minister on the bypass proposal.
“We demand proper consultation with the affected residents and stakeholders. The panchayat has also demanded a joint site inspection,” Viegas said.
“We will not forget the promises made to us. The people have spoken, and we will continue to oppose any decision taken without properly addressing our genuine concerns,” he added.
Maintaining that the people of Dandeavaddo are not opposed to development, Viegas said they were against projects being implemented without adequately considering the concerns of local residents. “Dandeavaddo is not against development. We are against development that ignores the people. Enough is enough. Our voice will not be silenced,” he warned.
Residents halt late-hour testing, PWD agrees to review work
MARGAO: Agitated residents of Dandeavaddo stopped the ongoing work on pile testing on the NH66 passing through the area on Thursday evening accusing the contractor for carrying out the work late hours and causing disturbances to the neighbourhood.
GOACAN convenor Roland Martins also raised his strong objection to the work on grounds that no boards were displayed at the site before commencement of the work.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva along with Chinchinim Sarpanch Gerson Gomes rushed to the spot in support of the people demanding a road bypass instead of road on stilts.
The Chinchinim Sarpanch immediately spoke to the Goa PWD, NH officials over the phone, as the residents demanded to know whether the government has overruled their objections against the road on stilts.
Gomes informed that the PWD, NH officials have agreed to take a review of the ongoing work on the project passing through Dandeavaddo.
GOACAN convenor Martins wondered how can work on the project abutting the NH66 commence without installing the boards and the necessary permissions. “This is not acceptable as the contractor is undertaking the work in violation of laid down guidelines,” Martins added.
People taken for a ride: Velim MLA on NH66 row
