Residents join hands to fight likely demolition of structures
the goan I network
AGASSAIM
In its notification, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to acquire 1,34,919 sq mtrs of land across Panaji and seven villages for the “construction of four/six lane bridge including approaches across River Zuari of NH17 highway.”
The land sought to be acquired by MoRTH is located at Siridao (9,945 sq mtrs), Goa Velha (41,606 sq mtrs), Mencurim-Agassaim (32,895 sq mtrs), Penha-da-Franca (17,005 sq mtrs), Panaji (2,345 sq mtrs), Morambi-o-Pequeno and Cortalim (7825 sq mtrs), and Bambolim (6,380 sq mtrs).
The ministry also stated that the land “is required for building (widening/four-laning, etc) maintenance, management and operation of the NH17 highway.
While residents of Agassaim have already expressed anger after being kept in the dark over plans to acquire the land, similar opposition is also likely to take place among residents in other affected villages.
On Tuesday, a group of residents of Agassaim protested against the MoRTH notification to acquire land, fearing that over 11 houses, two showrooms, two religious structures and other structures would be demolished for road-widening and construction of a new Zuari bridge.
The residents visited the St Lawrence Panchayat office and confronted sarpanch James Alfonso about the notification.
Expressing their anger, residents of Agassaim and the vicinity said the government has published the notification
Agassaim residents fear fall of 11 houses, two showrooms, two religious structures and other structures
Chaotic scene at St Lawrence Panchayat office where sarpanch James Alfonso is confronted on notification
The sarpanch is of the opinion that, though beneficial, the project will adversely affect local business
Goa Forward leader Durgadas Kamat also assures his support to the locals in the issue
