No more changes to NH4; NH17 alignment by Nov-end: Churchill
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, NOV 13
While ruling out any further changes to the NH-4 alignment, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao has said he would not bow down to the anti-highway activists any further, terming the ongoing agitation as politically motivate.
He said the NH-17 alignment would be finalized by November end after consultations with MLAs and interested groups, but conveyed a message loud and clear that the government is firm in executing the highway project for the benefit of the future generations.
He said a lot of changes are expected in the present alignment to the NH-17 as the people had mooted changes at various places along the route.
“The number of houses that would go for demolitions in North Goa has come down to 130 from 569. If possible, the government would try to save these houses, if not, to build the houses and pay compensation as per market rates”, he added.
“The final alignment of the NH-17 will be ready by November-end. A lot of changes can be expected. We are taking the MLAs and affected people into confidence”, he said.
When newsmen drew his attention to the decision of the Anti-highway committee to intensify the agitation, Alemao said “let them do the agitation. The government has to plan for the future generation”, adding that he would not succumb even if the activists hold meetings in Margao or at his residence at Varca.
The PWD Minister warned that he would not back out now even if the Chief Minister Digambar Kamat goes soft on the highway when the government has granted so many concessions after finding as genuine the demands put forth by the affected parties.
“There are some people who are misguiding the general public. I will not be cowed down by these pressures. The agitation is politically motivated”, he asserted.
On the highway toll for people using the highway only occasionally, the Principal Chief Minister J Rego said the NH-17 is likely to have only two toll booths, probably at the Mandovi and Zuari bridges.
The agencies have been directed to submit the revised rates after the government decided to issue a month pass of Rs 500 for regular users of the highway.
“For others, the rates would be worked out accordingly”, Rego added.
