A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared to construct an underpass (“cow tunnel”) for the safety of cattle movement at Agassaim. This would be the first in Goa and the estimated cost is Rs 46.4 crore. The DPR has been sent on Jan 22 to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for possible funding. Officers state that the farmers demanded an underpass and this box-like structure under the road would allow vehicles to move overhead and cattle to safely cross below. Human-animal conflict and accidents may reduce on the highways in Agassaim. The govt went overboard and came out with a proposal costing crores of rupees for just one underpass. We will not lock horns with the govt on catering to the demands of a few farmers. But in the same way, the govt must repair and renovate its schools (instead of closing them down), make the traffic lights workable, improve the infrastructure (water and sewerage pipelines, street lights), spend on public health centres, garbage collections and on other basic needs for the people.
