Diversion NH4A panel warns govt of dire consequences

Diversion NH4A panel warns govt of dire consequences
Wants demands settled within a month
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
MARCEL, JUNE 19
The Diversion NH4A Action Committee has warned the State government of dire consequences if their demands for road diversion are not settled within a month.
This was decided at a meeting in Ponda attended by hundreds of residents affected by proposed NH4A four-lane road on Saturday evening.
Diversion NH4A Action Committee Member Sunil Dessai said they would hold a protest march at the state assembly during the assembly session on July 19 if the road diversion issue is not settled.
“The time has come to go ahead aggressively with our demand for road diversion. We celebrated Goa Revolution Day yesterday and I think a similar kind of revolution is needed today. If still our elected representatives do not take our issue seriously, we will stage a protest march to the State Assembly on July 19 and people should not be held responsible if anything goes untoward,” warned Dessai.
“So far, our approach towards our demand for road diversion has been peaceful, but now it will be aggressive and I urge people to stay united in our fight, Dessai said.
Opposition Leader Manohar Parrikar also warned the government of adverse consequences.
“If my house comes under the bulldozer, I will stand with a sword in my hand to protect it. I think you have to be like this so as to protect your house. You should not be afraid of anyone and you must stay united,” said Parrikar.
Parrikar expressed surprise as he did not see any MLA from the localities affected due to the proposed NH4A four-lane.
“Even if the road does not affect my constituency, I am here to support you. But I don’t understand why the concerned MLA’s did not attend this meeting”, said Parrikar.
Taking advantage at the meeting, Parrikar requested the people not elect those who did not attend the meeting and also for not showing their support to their cause.
“If your MLAs are not supporting you, they need to be sent home and this you have to do if you want to save our State. Don’t vote them and they need to be taught a lesson for not working in the interest of the people,” he said.
Former Aldona MLA Fatima D’sa also criticized MLAs who represent areas affected by the four-lane road.
“It is a shame that we elect such people who don’t even bother about problems faced by the people. When they need votes, they will come running after you, but when people need them they are not available. Such people need to be sent home,” said D’Sa.
Former Ponda MLA Rohidas Naik, Former Priol MLA Vishwas Satarkar and former Sanvordem MLA Sadashiv Marathe were present at the meeting.
Incidentally, the diversion NH 4A Action Committee, in the leaflets, had mentioned the presence of Parrikar, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, North Goa MP Shripad Naik, Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar, Priol MLA Deepak Dhavlikar, Rohidas Naik and Fatima D’Sa.
“We had personally contacted them and had confirmed their presence, but I condemn some of them for failing to attend the meet,” said Diversion NH4A Action Committee Member Sunil Dessai.