Team Herald
PONDA: The residents of Bhoma continue their agitation against the proposed expansion of the National Highway through their village, citing cultural, environmental, and social concerns. Villagers have submitted a list of ten key reasons for their opposition and insist that the highway be realigned through a bypass route instead of the existing alignment through the heart of the village.
Bhoma villagers assert that the matter is currently sub judice and have criticised the government and PWD for repeatedly seeking adjournments in court and for not providing explanations to the media or the public. One of their major concerns is the lack of clarity regarding the fate of the revered Sateri Devi shrine located at the centre of the village.
Ten Main Reasons for Opposition to the NH Expansion through Bhoma:
Destruction of cultural heritage: Villagers fear the expansion will destroy a 400-year-old cultural legacy, including traditional festivals such as Kallostav and Rathostav, which require open spaces for public celebration. An elevated road or flyover would obstruct these festivities.
Threat to religious sites: Bhoma houses five significant temples—Sateri, Mahadev, and Sati Devi shrines among them. These temples form the spiritual and cultural nucleus of the village, which the flyover would directly impact.
Loss of community peace and identity: Sanjay Naik, a prominent leader of the Bhomkars, stated, “We lost peace of mind due to the forced project. Money or an elevated road will not give us this happiness.” Residents cherish the tranquillity and unity their culture brings.
Village division: The proposed flyover would physically divide the village, hampering social cohesion and affecting daily life, especially for the elderly and children.
Ignored legal norms and gram sabha resolutions: Villagers claim that the alignment plan has not been explained to them. Furthermore, a resolution passed during the gram sabha opposes the expansion, yet the authorities continue to push the project forward.
Violation of NH expansion norms: As per previous government policy set during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, NH expansions were to avoid village centres and include bypasses to preserve public safety and harmony. Bhoma villagers demand similar consideration.
No 30-metre setback: Highway expansion rules stipulate a 30-metre setback on both sides of the central line. In Bhoma, this criterion is not met, and yet expansion is being considered instead of a bypass.
Risk to traditional lake and ecology: Excavation for flyover pillars near the ancient village lake could lead to its destruction, affecting the local environment and heritage.
Displacement of ST and OBC communities: Many houses that could be demolished belong to Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC), who have lived there for centuries. Villagers argue that compensation is being directed to landlords while the actual residents face homelessness. “The former CM protected our rights under the Tenancy and Mundkarial Acts, but this government seeks to remove us,” Naik said.
Bypass provided in other villages: Villagers question why Bhoma is being singled out when bypasses have been approved and constructed for other villages in similar situations. They argue that equal treatment should be extended to Bhoma to protect its social fabric.
Villagers also reiterated that they are not against development but insist that any expansion should be inclusive, respectful of heritage, and legally sound. They believe a bypass is the only viable solution to balance infrastructural development with cultural preservation.