Panchayat hopes to push for less disruptive NH66 route
MARGAO
In a last-ditch attempt to put across their argument in support of a road bypass instead of a flyover on the NH66 at Chinchinim, the Village Panchayat of Chinchinim has sought an audience with Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during his visit to the State to lay the foundation stone for the towers at the Zuari bridge.
Sarpanch Frank Viegas, however, said he and the panchayat members are keeping their fingers crossed over the appointment with the Union Minister, saying they have not received any communiqué for an appointment with Gadkari.
On behalf of the residents of Chinchinim, the panchayat members had written to the Union Minister seeking an appointment regarding the proposal for the NH66 bypass road at Dandeavaddo, Chinchinim. “The matter has already been taken up by the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Goa, and we now seek your esteemed intervention to examine and address the concerns and demands of the villagers,” Sarpanch Frank Viegas told 'The Goan'.
In the letter, Frank said the Panchayat had drawn the attention of the Union Minister that the villagers have submitted their objections and suggestions to the concerned authorities, and they have been awaiting a favourable resolution that takes into account their well-being and the preservation of the village's socio-cultural fabric.
“We have sought an appointment with Nitin Gadkari to appraise your kind self about our grievances which have been overlooked so far without any justification. If given an appointment, we will explain to the Union Minister how the road bypass at Dandeavaddo will be more beneficial and less expensive compared to the concrete flyover,” the Sarpanch added.
He further said the PWD, National Highway need not worry over the issue of land acquisition, saying the local Communidade body has already issued a NOC for the construction of the road bypass.
