PANJIM: The former president
of Travel and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) Francisco De Braganca has
vehemently opposed the ‘in principal decision’ of the Ministry of Transport and
Highways to convert State roads into national highways.
In a letter to the TTAG,
Braganca argued that the decision will result into destruction of tourism in
the State while also pointing out that tentative length shown in the ministry’s
letter are misleading.
“The
tentative length shown in the letter from the Ministry are misleading as the
actual distances between the places identified in the letter are much more than
shown in the letter conveying the in principle approval,” Braganca stated
adding, “The
roads in the tourism belt it is a cause for concern to us. The construction of NH
through the densely populated coastal belt will spell disaster for Goa Tourism.”
The Superintendent Engineer
of the PWD, on January 12 had conveyed about the in-principle decision of the
Ministry of Transport and Highways (Planning and Monitory Division) to convert
the state roads across India into NH subject to a detailed project report. The
ministry had sent a communiqué to the State on January 2.
The letter proposes MDR-43
from Velsao Junction at 17B to MoborLeela Beach; MDR-13 Verem Market to Nerul;
MDR-9 Betim via Verem – Saligao; and Aguada-Candolim- Calangute- Arpora to
convert into NH.
The
ex-association president also pointed out that it is not feasible to construct
a NH in the coastal belt without destroying its essence. “A highway cannot be
constructed in densely populated areas, which will entail small village
roads connecting to a highway at every 50 meters, which will interfere with the
traffic on the Highway,” he said urging the TTAG to bring together all the
stakeholders to oppose the proposal.
He suggested that focus
needs to be directed towards tourists who value environment and quality of life
which typifies Goa tourism and not aggressive, insensitive mass tourism which
will be nourished by NH.
