the goan I network
MARGAO
Claiming that Cuncolim MLA Clafacio Dias had showed no concern and was not proactive to pursue the matter with the authorities, Villagers Against State Highway 08 have said Chandor villagers were forced to approach former MLA Joaquim Alemao to support their cause.
In a statement signed by members of the group, they pointed out that the MLA had even told some people that it is impossible to get the highway de-notified. “Sensing that our MLA is not serious about the issue, we were forced to approach our former MLA Joaquim Alemao to support our cause and help us if possible,” they said, adding that the group will support anybody who will help them to protect the village heritage for posterity.
“The village group is totally apolitical and hence we feel free to approach anybody and everybody who can help us. We have independently approached the PWD Minister who even visited the village and after understanding the whole issue assured us to get the mistake rectified,” the statement added.
The statement further pointed out that though the TCP Minister Vijai Sardesdai had asked the local MLA to show an alternative alignment, it is indeed amazing that he had failed to point out the alternative alignment which was already there in the Regional plans 2001 and 2021. “We had also met and submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister who agreed that the highway should not pass through the heritage village,” the statement added.
“The villagers had submitted a memorandum dated May 16, 2017, in this regard to the TCP Minister, the copy of which was endorsed to MLA Clafacio Dias. Despite this, the MLA showed no concern and was not proactive to pursue the matter with the authorities,” they said.
