The ongoing land acquisition proceedings for the construction of NH-17B (NH-566) have sparked vehement condemnation from residents of Loutolim and Borim, with strong objections raised by the Goyant Kollso Naka, denouncing the potential irreversible damage to Goa’s economy, communities, and environment. Activist Abhijeet Prabhu Desai has been a vocal advocate against transforming Goa into a coal hub via this transportation route.
Desai articulated the collective concern, expressing, “This move stands as a gateway to irreversible and unprecedented destruction, particularly in the realms of Goa’s economies, communities, and environment. The proposed utilization of this route primarily for coal transportation poses a severe threat.
Central to the demands put forth by villagers is the plea to either reconstruct the old bridge or erect a new parallel bridge adjacent to the existing one. This request emerges as a pivotal solution proposed by the concerned locals, aiming to mitigate the potential adverse impacts of the proposed development.
The proposed construction of NH-17B through these villages has stirred a wave of resistance, with residents vehemently opposing the project’s implications. The collective stance emphasizes the critical need to preserve Goa’s environmental integrity and safeguard the region’s socio-economic fabric against the potential fallout from such development initiatives.
