PANJIM, MARCH 23
The ministers, legislators as well the Opposition leader on Tuesday demanded immediate halt to the ongoing land acquisition process for the widening of NH4A from Panjim to Karnataka border.
The calling attention was tabled in the House by the Priol MLA Dipak Dhavalikar who said that fear and anxiety is in the minds of the villagers of Cundaim–Bhoma on the proposed widening of NH4A by demolishing existing habitable structure, religious places filling of cultivable agricultural land, etc.
Transport Minister Sudin Dhavalikar said that the stretch between Old Goa and Ponda be widened by the State under State highway programme.
Home Minister Ravi Naik too agreed with the sentiments of the transport minister saying that many people would be displaced if the project is undertaken.
“We need to take up the issue with the Centre and request them to reduce the width to 30 meters wherever necessary,” he said.
Cumbharjua MLA Pandurang Madkaikar questioned the need for acquiring 60 meters width land.
“For four-lanning 16 to 18 meter width is good enough,” he said, “if acquired the rest of the land will see illegal encroachment.”
He warned the government that there would be large scale agitation if the government does not take into consideration the views of the people.
Leader of Opposition demanded immediate halt to the land acquisition process.
“We need to apply our mind before going ahead with the project as there will be many problems for the State,” he said.
“Not only demolitions but also the toll the citizens will have to pay,” he said adding the state will have to consider all this before going ahead.
“I suggest the minister stops land acquisition for a month and apply his mind before going ahead,” he said.
Aldona MLA Dayanand Narvekar, however was in favour of the project sighting the number of accidents on the State road.
“Widening of road is required considering the number of accidents and we must not politicise the issue,” he said.
He, however, maintained that the government must suitably compensate the people for the plots or the structures they lose due to the project. He reiterates his demand for demolition of the new buildings allowed by the government in the last few years. Despite of knowing that there would be a problem, the government gave permissions for construction of structures close to the present highway. The old houses build decades ago on the Porvorim stretch have maintained around 60 metres setback from the centre of the road but the new ones have been allowed by the government to come closer to the road, he pointed out lashing out at the government.
