Team Herald
MARGAO: The Chinchinim-Deussua village panchayat has renewed its appeal for the construction of a road bypass on the NH 66, which runs through the village, instead of the proposed flyover. This latest move comes after village Sarpanch Frank Viegas submitted a memorandum to South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes and Velim MLA Cruz Silva, seeking their intervention.
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In the memorandum, the panchayat emphasised that the proposed expansion of NH 66 along the Chinchinim section would significantly affect many residents. They pointed out that the panchayat had previously passed resolutions in 2008 and 2009, supporting the construction of a bypass at the 39.8 km and 42 km points of the highway to avoid congestion and provide space for future expansion. The panchayat urged the authorities to consider “Alternate 1” of the three proposed routes, which they believe would minimise the impact on the local population.
The letter also referenced previous land acquisitions in 1989, which displaced residents in the area, arguing that the bypass would prevent further displacement. Sarpanch Viegas noted that the panchayat has been advocating for this bypass for several years, engaging with various authorities to avoid the construction of a flyover on stilts in the village.
Both the MP and the MLA have expressed their full support for the villagers’ demand.
Viegas expressed satisfaction that the MP has committed to raising the issue with Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari during his visit to Delhi, hoping that this will lead to positive action in favour of the bypass.
The memorandum was handed over at a programme organised by the panchayat.
