TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
MARGAO: This road running parallel to the existing NH-17 at Navelim was laid when former Chief Minister, Luizinho Faleiro presided over the affairs of Navelim constituency prior to 2007.
Post-2002 Assembly polls, the road had been literally buried under the carpet of wild grass and bushes following a change in political guard when former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao held the reins of Navelim.
The parivartan brought about by the Navelim villagers in 2012 Assembly polls had not helped to revive the road in the last one-year-and-half, leaving the fate of the road unknown. But, now local MLA and Fisheries Minister, Avertano Furtado has decided to not only revive the abandoned road project, but has proposed to widen the NH-17 from Rosary Auto to Jackniband Bridge on a priority basis.
As Avertano inspected the stretch of the road with PWD officials, questions were raised whether the road proposed during Faleiro’s tenure would be taken to its logical conclusion or will the road be allowed to be permanently buried under the bushes. Presently, the road has come in handy for a private car dealer to display second hand cars for sale.
Avertano, however, told Herald that he has proposed widening of the NH-17 from Rosary Auto to Jackniband by taking the NOCs from the residents to ease traffic congestion.
“This stretch of the road needs widening to cater to the growing traffic needs. At least two-meter widening on either side will help streamline traffic along this stretch”, he added.
“I am told that the road had hit a block after one or two land owners objected to it for building the road sand land acquisition. I have met one of the owners, who have promised me NOC. The road will be taken up after I received from the land owners”, he added.
