PANJIM: The expansion of National Highway 66 in Pernem taluka has divided the village of Ugvem , with villagers’ residences on one side and their fields, on the other. Villagers do not oppose the expansion but lament the absence of a service road and safe crossing, which makes it difficult for them to access their fields or even cross the road.
“Our fields are on one side, and our homes on the other, but there is no way to access the highway or the residential area,” lamented one resident. With most villagers engaged in farming activities, the lack of a proper crossing poses a serious risk. “We need an alternative route to cross the highway and a service road to connect us,” said another villager.
Shashikant Mahale, one of the residents, criticized the contractor for failing to provide temporary roads. “There are no service roads on either side of the highway, and no crossings to connect us. The commute has become dangerous, especially for students,” he said. Mukund Mahale, another villager, added that the absence of proper planning has left the community in danger. “There are 350 houses with a population of 4,000, but all we get are empty promises from authorities,” he said.
