PANJIM: The swelling agitation against the land acquisition for the National Highway expansion though Bhoma village in Ponda taluka, has an added narrative which is important- the destruction of all old customs and traditions, which will be reality if the highway passes through it, even if the four temples on the routes are protected.
Speaking on a Herald TV’s Point Counterpoint programme, Sanjay Naik, who is spearheading the villager’s’ agitation, said, “We are protesting the Bhoma Highway expansion not because of our homes, but to preserve our culture, tradition and God.” Naik further mentioned that no temple comes in the shown acquisition land and no temple will be harmed. But the holy anthill will get threatened due to impact of piling, he added. Hence to safeguard this sacred anthill, villagers of Bhoma have come together in solidarity.
While elaborating on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report, Naik said that the minister has told that the bypass will be constructed on stilts, but as per the ElA report, it has been mentioned that it will be built via filling of land. Whom is this government trying to fool? Naik questioned.
Additionally, Naik pointed out that there are nearly 10 houses which will be affected, while PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral in the recent presentation has cited only four houses. “We are legal according to Government.” Naik stated that the people who are affected and people who are not affected are protesting in large because of the temples, which exist in the land acquisition zone. The religious customs of these temples will be jeopardised, he claimed. Moreover, he mentioned the tradition where palanquin is brought from one temple to another across this stretch of road. If this road becomes four lanes or six lanes, how will the villagers follow these traditions? He asked. He reiterated that the motive behind opposing the highway expansion is wholly to preserve the unique identity of Bhoma, its serene nature, the festivals, culture, tradition and the deity of the village.
