Highway authorities and political leaders had assured Cuncolkars that the experts would show a demo of the proposed Cuncolim-Balli bypass alignment. It was also assured that after conducting a survey of all alternate alignment, the most-feasible alignment would be approved. 

Over two months have passed since the discussion but nothing fruitful has transpired and nobody is sure which alignment of the proposed bypass would be accepted by the authorities. 

Besides, the extension and road widening work of NH 17 is in full swing at other places, with work from Balli to Karwar at a brisk pace. 

It is obvious that Cuncolim-Balli bypass alignment had become the biggest hurdle not only for highway authorities, but for the government too. 

In fact, nobody is ready to allow the bypass by demolishing their houses, nor does any landlord want the bypass passing through his land. There seems opposition for road widening on every side. 

To make things worse, Cuncolim politicians are adding fuel to fire and making things more complicated, as there are different opinions and demands for the bypass alignment. 

Those who want to save their property and houses are asking highway authority to follow old Konkan Railway line parallel alignment. 

Both, former MLA Joaquim Alemao and present MLA Clafacio Dias, had initially agreed for Konkan Railway parallel road alignment. This proposed alignment was also found place in Regional Plan. It was almost accepted by all. 

People were for Konkan Railway parallel line road. Then as if suddenly, the Central government nominated one agency to survey three alternate alignments. 

This act of government forced people to come out on road. Agitated people from Veroda, Panzorconi, Comba and Belatemb, whose houses and property were coming in way of the  proposed bypass began raising objections. 

The Issue was also extensively discussed with Chief Minister, PWD Minister and even with Town and Country Minister. Subsequently, several meetings were held with local leaders and highway authorities, but there seems no fruitful outcome, as different leaders seem to be giving different versions. 

The former MLA says the issue is solved and alignment parallel to Konkan Railway line has been approved. But if the Cuncolim MLA and PWD Minister Sudin Dhawlikar are to be believed, they say the alignment would be okayed only after the Central government approval. 

Interestingly, there are four alternate alignments are suggested. First from Sarzora to Balli, parallel to Konkan Railway. The advantage of this alignment is that there will be less destruction, as only a few houses would be demolished. 

However, the disadvantage of this alignment is that the Railway may object for acquisition since they may have expansion plans. The second disadvantage is that there are about 30-odd new illegal structures standing on this alignment, with people opposing it. 

The second alignment is proposed from Uskiniband to Sanvorcoto via Comba to Balli. This alignment is objected on various grounds. Firstly, due to this alignment there is fear of flooding, since this bypass alignment  would go though low-lying fields. 

Secondly, the newly-constructed Cuncolim Union Sports Complex may get affected because of this alignment and thirdly this alignment will force the bulldozing of many houses in Panzorconi and Comba. 

The third alignment is proposed from Uskiniband to Veroda via Belatemb to Balli. This alignment is also objected by affected people from Veroda and Belatemb. 

The fourth alternate alignment aims to follow the existing highway and to scrap the bypass plans. 

In fact, to maintain the existing alignment would also raise objections, since this road goes though Cuncolim and Balli market and would force the bulldozing of both markets, besides 50- odd structures. 

Some even suggest that a flyover could be a plausible solution. Politicians say they will give demo of all alignments and the best one would be selected. 

However, the problem is the one which is best for few will be bad for others. In this case the decision by the Highway authorities could well be final and it is almost certain that Central government Highway authority and officers of surface transport would eventually decide the bypass alignment. 

The truth is that the ball is in the central government’s court and whatever be the decision may well have to be accepted. Of course, it’s a bitter fact that local politicians are playing with sentiments and fooling the locals.