MARGAO: In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has issued an official notification regarding the acquisition of land for the Cuncolim bypass project. Residents of the affected areas have been granted a 21-day window to submit their objections or suggestions concerning the project.
The bypass, which is set to traverse through Cuncolim’s municipal limits as well as the villages of Bali and Bendordem, requires the acquisition of approximately 3.82 lakh square meters of land.
According to the notification issued on August 6, any feedback from the public should be directed to the Special Land Acquisition Officer at the PWD-National Highways office in Altinho, Panjim.
The proposed bypass is designed to ease the traffic congestion currently plaguing the NH66 stretch in Cuncolim, while also enhancing connectivity between South and North Goa. While the government on one hand have been speaking about the project’s potential benefits, there have been concerns amongst the local population about possible demolition of homes and other problems, which had led to repeated calls for the realignment of the bypass.
In response to these concerns, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had earlier assured residents that no structures would be affected during the bypass construction.
Additionally, it was recently disclosed that Rs 310.92 crore has been approved for the land acquisition required for the stretch from Uskinibandh to Bendordem.
However, as the deadline for public feedback approaches, those who still have concerned are urging the affected residents to voice their opinions and ensure their concerns are addressed before the project moves forward.
