THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2024
Team Herald
MARGAO: Despite opposition from farmers and residents of Loutolim and Borim, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, in a latest development, confirmed that the government has decided to go ahead with the construction of the proposed new Borim Bridge.
The government has initiated the process to acquire a substantial amount of agricultural land in Loutolim and Borim villages for the proposed new bridge project.
“There is opposition for the new Borim Bridge project from some people, however, the government will move ahead with the construction of the bridge,” the Chief Minister said.
Sawant said that the new Borim Bridge is the need of the hour and people are now opposing everything.
The Chief Minister has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constructing a new Borim bridge, acknowledging the opposition from some individuals.
Despite the dissent, the Chief Minister expressed a willingness to address concerns by finalising the alignment in a way that minimises the impact on the local population.
‘Goyant Kollso Naka’, an NGO, alleged that the new proposed Borim Bridge is not intended to benefit the people but for transportation of coal.
This claim raises concerns about the underlying motives and potential environmental impacts associated with the infrastructure project.
The NGO’s assertion underscores the importance of transparency and clear communication from the government regarding the true purpose and implications of the new Borim Bridge.
The allegations that the project is linked to coal transportation call for thorough public scrutiny and an open dialogue on the broader objectives of such initiatives.
Reacting to the Chief Minister’s statement, Abhijit Prabhudesai, co-convenor, Federation of Rainbow Warriors said, “In the name of Borim Bridge they are building a coal highway which will destroy the entire villages around the Zuari river as well as Vasco town and surrounding areas. It is another step in the direction of turning Goa into a coal transportation hub. This is not a bridge but port connectivity for Mormugao Port and also for the proposed Sagarmala Project. We had asked the government to provide a report on the status of the existing Borim Bridge but the government has not provided. We do not know whether the new bridge is required or not. The government has not produced any evidence showing why the new Borim Bridge is required. Earlier as Zuari Bridge was not in good shape, traffic used to come on Borim Bridge but now that the new Zuari Bridge has been built and commissioned, what is the need for a new bridge at Borim?”
Ramiro Mascarenhas, a villager from Loutolim said, “After statement of the Chief Minister, it looks like the hearings going on pertaining to land acquisition for the proposed new Borim bridge is a farce. But the people of Loutolim will not allow the government to bulldoze our houses. We will go to any extent to protect our agricultural land.”
