MARGAO: In response to the contentious issue surrounding the proposed new Borim Bridge and the concerns voiced by farmers and villagers, newly elected Member of Parliament from South Goa Captain Viriato Fernandes has demanded the project be scrapped.
The MP recommended that authorities reconsider their plans and explore the option of re-aligning the project to utilise the existing Borim Bridge. Speaking to O Heraldo, Viriato conveyed deep concern for the villagers and farmers of Loutolim and Borim, who have been actively protesting against the project.
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Following his election as MP, Viriato alleged that the proposed Borim Bridge is primarily intended for transporting coal. “The new Borim Bridge will not only destroy
the agricultural fields and khazan land but also affect the livelihoods of almost 3,500 people dependent on agriculture and khazans,” said the MP.
In previous instances, villagers from Loutolim have sought support from political leaders, including Agriculture Minister Ravi Naik, to join them in their campaign to safeguard their agricultural land. Recently, farmers have intensified their efforts by urging the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) authority to withhold clearances for the proposed project.
In response to these concerns, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira assured that the bridge would be constructed on stilts.
Nuvem locals urge denotification of NH 66 stretch to save homes, livelihoods
MARGAO: A group of Nuvem villagers on Thursday requested the denotification of the stretch of National Highway 66 from Fr Agnel Ashram in Verna to Carmel College, Nuvem.
A delegation led by local Everson Valles met Lok Sabha MP Viriato Fernandes at Margao and informed him that the ongoing widening of this NH 66 stretch would necessitate the demolition of additional residential and commercial structures along the route, disrupting their lives and livelihoods.
Valles pointed out that there is already a functional Western Bypass Road running parallel to the NH 66, which is handling most of the traffic. The project was originally proposed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and executed by the State Public Works Department. “This bypass was built in order to avoid the widening of the portion of NH 66 from Fr Agnel Ashram to Carmel College Nuvem,” Valles added.
In the memorandum submitted to the MP, it has been emphasised that the stretch of the road, approximately 2.5 kilometres in length, is lined with educational institutions including schools and colleges. The residents argue that increasing the width of the road could make it more challenging for students and pedestrians to
cross safely.
They also said that the expansion would disrupt the existing electricity cables, telecommunication cables as well as public water pipelines.
Valles told O Heraldo that the MP-elect assured the villagers that he would take up this matter with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
