MARGAO: Against the backdrop of opposition from Loutolim farmers to the alignment of the proposed high-level Borim bridge project, citing destruction of their vast khazan fields, Environment Minister Aleixo Sequeira defended the government’s decision to proceed with the bridge’s construction stating that the current bridge is weak. He said that this is a proactive approach of the government in constructing a new bridge before the existing one collapses, avoiding a potential scenario where there is no bridge at all.
Sequeira, who is also the Nuvem MLA, claimed that the farmers he has been in contact with acknowledge the need for a new bridge. He stated, “I have interacted with the farmers and in principle, all of them say we require a new bridge. The issue is the alignment.”
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He revealed that a new alignment suggestion is being explored following a recent PWD inspection. “The report is being sought, following which it will be presented to the farmers in an effort to resolve the issue,” he said. Elaborating further, Sequeira explained that the government had earlier presented seven different alignment options to the farmers, while presently another alternative suggestion is being deliberated upon. Sequeira expressed confidence that the government’s decision, once made, will resolve the issue and allow the project to move forward.
He also repeated his earlier assurance that not a single house will be affected due to this project. To further facilitate dialogue, Sequeira plans to take a delegation of farmers to meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, during his upcoming visit to Goa. This meeting, Sequeira said, will allow farmers to express their reservations and views directly to the Union Minister. “I’m sure he (Gadkari) will try his best to resolve the issue” Sequeira remarked.
He added that the government is awaiting the outcome of a petition filed by the farmers before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). He reiterated that dialogue remains the most effective approach to resolving the issue, stating, “The only solution is talking – a dialogue. ‘Dadagri’ and all that doesn’t work.”
