Goa

Sacorda Residents Threaten Protest Over 20-Year-Delayed Nave-Kharwat Road Construction

Herald Team

Team Herald

PONDA: Residents of Sacorda have warned of a protest if the long-pending construction of the Nave-Kharwat road is not completed by March. The roadwork has been stalled for the past 20 years, causing severe inconvenience to locals and farmers.

Speaking on the issue, residents highlighted that the absence of a proper road has made commuting extremely difficult, especially for farmers engaged in Bagayat (horticulture) activities.

According to locals, two decades ago, there was no road in the area, only a narrow footpath. Initial excavation and stone-laying efforts were made, but the road remains incomplete. Due to the hilly terrain, the existing rough road is located on a slope, making it dangerous for residents to traverse. The ward has approximately 80 houses and the road serves as a crucial link for those living there. However, residents are forced to navigate through rocky, muddy, and uneven paths, posing a significant risk.

Additionally, every year, villagers travel to Kharwat along the Ragda River to immerse Ganesh idols during Visarjan. However, the steep and rocky descent makes this journey particularly hazardous.

Concerned citizens had previously brought the issue to the attention of local MLA Ganesh Gaonkar, who had taken it seriously and directed the relevant department to complete the roadwork. Following this, tenders were issued, and a foundation ceremony was held last year. However, despite a year passing since the event, no progress has been made.

Panchayat member Mahadev Shetkar recently met with engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) and conducted an inspection of the site. The officials assured him that the road would be completed by March.

Expressing frustration over the repeated delays, Shetkar warned that if the road is not completed within the promised time frame, locals will stage an agitation to demand their long-overdue right to a proper road.

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