Team Herald
PONDA: Residents of Bhoma have resolved to intensify their demand for a bypass to protect their village from disruption due to the proposed National Highway (NH) expansion. In response to Minister Govind Gaude’s recent statement that no temples would be impacted by the NH expansion, locals reiterated their opposition, stressing that any highway expansion or flyover through the heart of their village would severely affect their cultural and religious festivals. They insist a bypass is feasible at Bhoma and urge the government to consider this alternative.
Local leader Sanjay Naik shared that after a meeting with the local MLA and Minister Gaude, who supported the NH expansion, the community unitedly decided to continue their push for a bypass to safeguard their heritage.
Naik highlighted that while a 9.5 km four-lane widening is planned from Ponda to Kalimati-Bhoma, the government’s proposal of a flyover in Bhoma was not acceptable to Bhomkars. He argued that a bypass is easily achievable from Kalimati, which would preserve the 400-year-old cultural traditions and religious practices central to village life. “We will fight this flyover at all levels, including in Court, till our last breath,” said Naik.
Resident Vaman Shirodkar voiced frustration over Minister Gaude’s meeting approach, stating that Sanjay Naik was not allowed to fully represent the villagers’ stance. Shirodkar emphasised that their demand focuses solely on a bypass, given the impact an expanded NH would have on sacred sites and rituals. “The Rathotsav procession, an essential part of our
Zatra festival, proceeds from Sateri to Narayan Devastan. We questioned the Minister, how is a four-lane road possible in a space of 25 meters width,” he recounted.