Team Herald
MARGAO: Residents of various villages across Benaulim constituency have voiced strong opposition to the government’s proposal to upgrade the major district road (MDR) from Velsao to Mobor in Cavelossim into a highway. Their concerns were raised during the recent public meeting organized by the Benaulim Congress Block, where they interacted with South Goa MP Captain Viriato Fernandes.
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The resistance to the project has been intensifying, with the Carmona gram sabha recently adopting a resolution against the highway’s construction along the coastal belt. The proposed highway would cut through multiple villages, including Velsao, Cansaulim, Utorda, and Majorda in Mormugao taluka, as well as Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Orlim, Carmona, and Cavelossim in Salcete taluka.
In addition to the highway issue, residents also expressed firm opposition to the Union government’s plan to build three jetties along the Sal river as part of the waterways project. They argued that such large-scale infrastructure development would pose a significant threat to their traditional means of livelihood.
MP Viriato Fernandes attentively listened to the residents’ objections and assured them that he would conduct a detailed review of the situation before taking it up in Parliament.
During the meeting, the MP also addressed a range of other concerns, from the High Level Borim Bridge to the destruction of the River Sal. Several village sarpanchas were present and submitted their grievances, highlighting issues such as problems faced by taxi operators, the stray dog menace, and proposals under the MPLAD scheme.
The interaction also covered other key topics, including concerns related to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the United States.
