MARGAO: The villagers of Chinchinim have once again expressed their frustration over the issue of the National Highway Authority opting for a flyover on the congested Dandeavaddo stretch, and lamented that the proposed plans of the government will divide the village.
On Thursday, a delegation led by Valantinho Barretto met Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai to seek his support for their agitation.
The disappointed citizens have claimed that the government is not in a mood to even hear their grievances.
The delegation pointed out that a 2.5km Dandeavaddo bypass road would suffice to cater to the future traffic requirements of the National Highway passing through Chinchinim village. The villagers have been insisting that the bypass will have ample scope for present and future expansion through uncultivated fallow comunidade land, which will be much cheaper to acquire. It will also avoid the destruction of the environment and save the costs of
relaying underground water pipes, telephone cables and fibre optic cables, among other utilities.
“Our concern is not over the impending demolition of homes and other structures belonging to the villagers, but with regard to future development. The village will be divided and there will be no scope for any future development as it is notified as a no-development zone,”said Barretto.
He further said that instead of a flyover, the bypass road for which the citizens and the panchayat body have given approval, would benefit the local populace as well as the government in terms of cost effectiveness.
The delegation has also pointed out that the land for the highway expansion was acquired in 1985 for a two-lane road, and today, the government is planning a four-lane road on the acquired land. They have apprehensions that the government would try to acquire more land in the future to build a six-lane highway, which will certainly affect the future development of the village.
