MARCEL, JUNE 17
Criticizing elected representatives, members of Diversion NH-4A Action Committee have warned that their agitation demanding for NH4A diversion will be intensified, if their demands are not met.
Villagers affected due to the proposed four-lane NH4A had formed Diversion NH-4A Action Committee with a demand to divert road in city and villages without affecting houses and religious establishments.
The committee members at a press briefing in Ponda informed that as part of their action plan, they have conducted corner meetings, handed over memorandums to various State elected representatives and a protest rally was also led to the State assembly to highlight their issue.
“Failure of the State government to solve our issue has now compelled us to take aggressive steps,” warned the members.
Members further informed that the only demand they had put forth was for road diversion in villages and city. They claimed that the proposed four-lane will destroy village identities.
“We in democratic manner have done all things possible to highlight our issue, but it seems that the government is least bothered to look into our demands,” said Sunil Dessai, member of Diversion NH-4A Action Committee.
“But now the time has come for us to act stringently and we are determined to oppose it, come what may. We are not opposing four-lane, but what we want is road diversion in village areas,” said Dessai.
Another member, Akshay Khandeparkar, said: “Our MLAs are responsible to see which projects are beneficial to our State and its impact. But all have done nothing to know how the proposed NH4A four-lane will affect villages. It is only when public takes to street, politicians joins to support. Is any MLA doing what they are supposed to do?”
“The time has come for us to come on the road with our demand. Even if needed we will go aggressive on the issue,” he added.
Members further said they are not opposing the four-lane but want the road taken out of the village and city.
“No National Highway passes through cities or villages. This four-lane will surely divide our villages and Ponda city, which will demolish our social fabric,” said Sunil Dessai.
Says another member, Ashok Prabhu: “We have schools and colleges on the city outskirt. Every time parents, students will have to pay toll. Even people from Curti will have to suffer. This will surely add to the economic burden.”
The committee has organized a public meeting in Ponda on Saturday to discuss future course of action. Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, former Aldona MLA Fatima D’Sa are among political figures who will attend the meeting, including the people affected by the proposed NH-4A four-lane road.
