Team Herald
CANACONA: The Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Babul Supriyo inaugurated the 7.74km 4-lane NH66 by-pass, linking Char Rasta to Mashem in Canacona taluka on Friday. This was done in the presence of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar; Power Minister, Nilesh Cabral,Deputy Speaker Isidore Fernandes amongst others. The by-pass has been named after the former Chief Minister (late) Manohar Parrikar.
While speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the bypass, which was Parrikar’s dream, has been realized today. “The present major infrastructure projects which are nearing completion were planned by the visionary leader. Mopa Airport, Patradevi – Karaswada – Bambolim Road, Zuari Bridge, Anmod Highway, Khadepar bridge and other projects which are on the verge of completion were the dream projects of Parrikar, he added.
He added that care will be taken to ensure that people who reside in the Eco-Sensitive Zone and buffer zone are not affected and do not suffer.
“The government is contemplating acquiring some land on both sides of the bypass road to provide suitable to market the local produce to the people affected by this by-pass,” Sawant added.
He added that upgraded facilities will be given to Canacona Primary Health Centre and that the trauma centre will also be upgraded. Sawant also thanked the Centre, especially the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari for having taken up various projects in Goa, which will see light of the day in next two years.
Gadkari was not able to attend the inauguration due to some urgent work and through a video message.
Babul Supriyo assured that the Centre will always support the development of Goa and Goans. “As Forest Minister he is working to provide basic amenities to the people residing in Forest area. I am honoured to be part of this scenic bypass project inauguration, he added.
He said the Centre has decided to give highest priority for development of infrastructure across the country, especially in road sector, as prosperity comes from good roads connectivity.
He asserted that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 15 thousand crores to develop infrastructure projects in Goa.
“The link passing over three rivers close to one another is a first of its kind in entire India, and after watching the beauty surrounding this road I feel that Brazil is like Goa and not Goa is like Brazil” Suprio remarked.
After watching the video played during the inauguration , he expressed his desire to take a drive on the by-pass after unveiling the plaque.
To this, Sawant said that the particular area where this road goes through is a very beautiful and agreed to the Union Minister’s suggestion that film shooting could be promoted in the taluka.
