MMC seeks NH-17A denotification to save 50% liquor outlets

VASCO: The Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC) has decided to adopt the council resolution seeking denotification of NH-17A road due to which at least 50 percent of liquor outlets would be saved from shutting down their operations indefinitely.

The NH-17A road connects Cortalim junction to Mormugao via Chicalim and Vasco.

According to MMC chairperson Deepak Naik, of the 494 liquor outlets in Mormugao taluka, most of them including bar and restaurants are affected with two highways connecting Mormugao Port including NH-17A and NH-17 B, while Vasco is the most affected town with all liquor outlets having to close down their shutters. 

“I feel that Mormugao Port does not require two highways (NH-17A and NH-17 B). NH-17B work would be completed soon and after that NH-17A for the Mormugao Port will not be of any use with regards to connectivity. Under such circumstances we feel that the state government should initiate process to denotify NH-17A road as this highway road is passing though the town and due to the highway many liquor outlets have been affected,” he said.

He said, “When we had discussed the issue with the council members it was opined by councillors that NH-17 road which starts at Cortalim Junction and connects Mormugao Port via Chicalim and Vasco is not used by port traffic users from Cortalim to Chicalim. However due to non-completion of NH-17B road, the port traffic from NH-17B gets diverted to NH-17A road and as such heavy traffic passes though Vasco. Now, under the current situation liquor licence holders on both these national highways are affected. However, if NH-17A is denotified then people affected under NH-17B can be rehabilitated along NH-17A road.” 

“Also presently the NH-17A road is not as per the National Highway guidelines as it has lot of sharp curves, bends and narrow road width leading to accidents. It is indeed a best option to denotify NH-17A road which in turn would save liquor outlets owners from losing their livelihood. I will soon call for a special council meeting to adopt a resolution seeking denotification of NH-17A road,” Naik told.