OLD GOA, JUNE 30
Residents of Carambolim have formed the Karmali Bachav Samiti to oppose Corlim Citizens Civil and Consumer Forum’s (CCCCF) demand to divert the NH4A from Old Goa through the fields of Carambolim.
It may be recalled that in a bid to save about 40 houses, which would be demolished if the NH4A is widened, CCCCF members had suggested that authorities should instead divert the highway from Old Goa through the fields of Carambolim and Corlim, before connecting it towards the highway at the Banastarim Bridge.
The KBS at the meeting has also decided to take a protest rally to the concerned politician and Forum members, if needed, to stop the move.
Speaking on the occasion, Carambolim Sarpanch Balchandra Usgoankar said: “We condemn the comments of diverting the NH4A route through the fields of Carambolim, which were made by some politicians, who were present at the Forum’s meeting recently.”
He also asked the locals not to allow both the politicians to step in Carambolim village. He questioned whether Carambolim villagers had not given any votes to both the politicians during the elections.
“Being Carambolim sarpanch, I along with my villagers warn the concerned politicians and those trying to divert the route towards Carambolim, not to do so or else we will demonstrate in front of their houses,” warned the sarpanch.
“I do understand about the NH4A problems, which residents of Corlim will have to face. Our support will always be there for them in asking the State government to minimise the width from 60 mtrs to 30 mtrs, but do not divert the road through the fields of Carambolim at any cost,” stated Usgaonkar.
In his speech, social worker Rajesh Naik said: “We all are opposing Forum’s move to divert the highway route through Carambolim fields, as farmers in Carambolim have already lost some fields earlier due to the Konkan Railway, which has passed through the Carambolim fields.”
“If NH4A passes through Carambolim fields, it will take away most of the village fields, which are being cultivated and then there will be nothing left for the farmers,” added Naik.
“We also know that we need a national highway, but not at the cost of local farmers fields on which they depend. We do support the feelings of Corlim villagers and we will support them to put forth their demands of curtailing the width from 45 mtrs to 30 mtrs,” he said.
“But at no cost will we support the Forum’s move to bypass the highway through the fields of Carambolim,” said the social worker.
Cumbarjua ZP member Dhaku Madkaikar, Chorao ZP member Vrunda Rajesh Naik, former ZP member Nilesh Shirodkar, former Carambolim sarpanch Sunil Naik and other dignitaries were present at the meeting.
