The Government continues to mislead residents by claiming that the highway alignment at Dandeavado has not been finalised, while repeatedly refusing to provide a copy of the plan even under the Right to Information Act. At the same time, the concerned Minister has stated that it is "too late" to consider any changes. Residents have, however, submitted detailed plans and calculations demonstrating that an alternative bypass would be more cost-effective and would avoid demolition of homes, displacement of long-established families, noise and air pollution, acquisition of expensive residential land, relocation of service lines, and traffic complications at two major junctions. It would also leave adequate scope for future expansion. Nowhere else in Goa has such an extensive land acquisition been undertaken in a developed residential area. The proposed bypass through Chinchinim village has already received a no-objection from the Comunidade, making it a practical alternative. Why, then, is the Government determined to destroy an entire ward and displace age-old settlements when a better and less destructive solution exists? The authorities must reconsider this decision in the interest of justice, transparency, and the welfare of the people.
NELSON LOPES, Chinchinim
