PONDA: The issue over the closing of Kavlem-Khadpaband road has taken a new dimension as the same is not shown in Outline Development Plan (ODP) passed by the SGPDA for Ponda.
Controversy erupted after the Ponda Municipal Council blocked the road by constructing compound wall. However, the road was temporarily opened after the locals protested and threatened agitation.
Supporting the locals, Marcaim MLA Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar alleged that the land acquired for Kavlem-Khadpaband road was encroached on and at least three structures have been constructed on the acquired land.
But according to municipal officials, the ODP for Ponda does not show Kavlem-Khadpaband road. Though there is a road at Khadpaband, it is upto the border and even the ODP is showing dead end on border shared by Kavlem-Khadpaband.
However, Dhavalikar faults PMC and SGPDA for not showing the land acquired on ODP.
He hit out at PMC and SGPDA for allowing building on land acquired for road and not showing the road on ODP. He said the land for road from Kavlem Panchayat to Khadpaband in municipal jurisdiction was acquired in 1989 when Joildo Aguiar was the agricultural minister.
“Prior to construction of road, there was pathway to Kavlem and Khadpaband. Later, there was land acquisition for road and 15 years ago buildings and bungalows have been constructed on acquired land at Khadpaband,” he said.
“How could the council and SGPDA approve buildings on land acquired for road?” he questioned and blamed the authorities for the same.
“The council is a continuous process, as such, the present council and chairperson should study the facts and should not block the road. This road is shortcut for Kavlem-Khadpaband locals,” he said.
He said, “Builder who had encroached upon road and constructed building had offered alternative place for road which is presently used by locals and disputed by PMC.”
“PMC should not act in a dictatorial manner that would cause law and order situation,” Dhavalikar warned.
