A bridge too far ?
The BJP holds sway over this panchayat after a long spell of partly unsuccessful dominance by former MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, who has tried to adopt, his critics allege, a policy of divide-and-rule within the panchayat. This time, of course, with Chorao coming under Mayem constituency, a few disillusioned long-timers, using their past connections and influence in the panchayat, are trying to dictate the destiny of the bridge.
What is interesting, however, on this occasion, is the amity of the people on the bridge site. Over a decade ago, the same group orchestrated confusion on another site when a bridge was proposed, with even soil tests and a survey being conducted, but efforts were scuttled after the group wanted it at Ecoxim Point to allegedly facilitate real estate activity, while the others rooted for the current site near Maddel Church. Ironically, on this occasion, all are agreed that the current site is the best for the village as well as for those going on towards Bicholim.
Public opposition, though, has been mounting to the approach road reportedly believed to have been mooted by the group which wants it to cut through a heritage cross in front of the church and eat into the parking place outside and inside the church complex, unmindful of the fact that the alignment proposed by them has a 90 degree curve. Support for this plan ~ which many vocal critics have described as “unscientific and an example of bad road engineering”~ stems from the fact that the actual alignment which gives a gentle curve runs through the property belonging to the kin of an influential village-level politician, who is now seeking to drum up support to protect his uninhabited property from land acquisition proceedings.
It is unfortunate that despite the new Land Acquisition Bill pending in parliament which offers compensation at market rate, apart from other benefits, the fear of acquisition still haunts the people ~ so much so, that land acquisition has become a bad word, abhorred, dreaded and detested.
Unlike China where road alignment is ideally based on the shortest route (and therefore straighter), in Goa, roads are designed based on political leanings, support and loyalty. Undoubtedly, the welfare of the majority ought to be the superseding criterion, followed by feasibility, safety and other vital factors in finalizing the approach road to the bridge instead of obliging a few with vested interests.
The fears of those who are likely to be dispossessed of their land must be addressed so that acquisitions in general are welcomed. The village panchayat on the other hand ought to have the courage and conviction to ensure that this last bastion of “village life within the city” is not destroyed forever.
