VASCO
In a significant victory for residents and shopkeepers of Queeny Nagar and surrounding areas in Velsao and Sancoale, the Public Works Department (PWD) has assured Cortalim MLA Anton Vas and protestors that the access via the existing MDR road, which had been abruptly closed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), will be restored for public use.
The assurance came after a joint site inspection involving Vas and officials from PWD, NHAI, Verna Police, Traffic Police, and local residents.
The road closure had sparked protests from locals who rely on it for their daily commute.
Social worker Roquezinho D'Souza, who spearheaded the protests, invited retired PWD chief engineer Joaquim Primo Souza, a resident of Velsao resident and officer to have originally acquired the land for the MDR road, to join the inspection.
Souza explained that the NHAI had no jurisdiction over the road and criticised the PWD for its silence as the road was dug up and access was closed.
After extensive discussions with MLA Anton Vas and other departments, the PWD committed to providing 4-metre-wide access for locals via the MDR road.
Speaking to the media, Cortalim MLA Anton Vas expressed concern over the abrupt closure of the road.
"There are many shops and houses in the area that have been affected by the works taken up by the NHAI. This road is crucial for the people of Queeny Nagar, Velsao, Zuarinagar, and beyond. It serves as a major commuting route and is essential for public transport. I have directed the PWD to immediately clear the road as the diversions have caused confusion, forcing vehicles to use the wrong side and leading to accidents."
Vas added, "The NHAI contractor damaged a water pipeline, leaving people without water for three days. We’ve instructed the PWD to repair the pipeline immediately and shift it permanently to avoid future issues."
Retired PWD chief engineer Joaquim Primo Souza provided a technical perspective on the situation.
"The NHAI mistakenly believed that the MDR road was part of the National Highway. In fact, this is an Ordinary District Road, and the Highway lies behind it. The NHAI encroached on this road and abruptly halted access, but MLA Anton Vas’s intervention has restored the rights of the people,” said Souza.
Former Velsao Sarpanch and builder Angelo Alcancoas also voiced his concerns.
"Who gave permission to cut a busy MDR road? Where was the PWD when NHAI was digging up the road? Initially, we were told this was temporary work, but it appears to be permanent. The PWD should have acted sooner. Fortunately, MLA Vas has intervened, but it’s his responsibility to ensure that this road remains open to the public,” said Alcancoas
Social worker Roquezinho D'Souza criticized NHAI for overstepping its authority.
"Hundreds of shops and houses received NOCs and approvals based on the road access. Without this road, the legality of these structures could be questioned. The NHAI has misused its power, and not informing the MLA, Panchayat, or PWD before taking action. We will use the RTI to obtain their plans, and we will not allow the works to proceed until proper assurances are in place,” said D’Souza.
