Team Herald
MARGAO: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari’s announcement of the NH66 expansion between Navelim and Cuncolim has left villagers of Dandeavaddo in Chinchinim and their representatives disappointed. Despite repeated appeals, the Union Ministry has rejected the demand to build a road bypass at Dandeavaddo, opting instead for an elevated corridor. The decision has drawn criticism from local leaders, who are now urging the state government to intervene.
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Velim MLA Cruz Silva has written to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, emphasizing the need to reconsider the alignment of the NH66 project. “The residents of Dandeavaddo and surrounding villages have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of this project on their communities. It has come to our attention that the proposed alignment has faced opposition from the affected villages, and there are significant apprehensions about the detrimental effects it may have on the residents,” Silva stated in his letter. He added that a bypass would be a more community-friendly solution, balancing infrastructure development with the needs of local residents.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao has also criticized the project, urging Gadkari to revisit the plan for the Chinchinim area. Alemao pointed out that while Cuncolim residents were granted relief earlier in the highway expansion process, Velim is now facing the brunt of government indifference. “We had requested Nitin Gadkari to protect houses in Velim and Cuncolim during the approval of the four-lane stretch from Margao to Cuncolim. Though Cuncolim villagers received relief, Velim continues to suffer. The government must revisit the issue and find a solution that spares the affected structures,” he said. Alemao also called on the Chief Minister to prioritize the welfare of Velim’s residents in this matter.
Chinchinim Sarpanch Frank Viegas expressed mixed emotions about the announcement, describing it as a double-edged sword for Dandeavaddo villagers. “I cannot say whether this is good or bad news for the people of Dande vaddo, especially during the festive season,” Viegas remarked. He remained hopeful, however, that the Chief Minister would heed the villagers’ demands and push for a bypass instead of the proposed flyover.
The opposition to the elevated corridor at Dandeavaddo has been ongoing, with residents repeatedly raising concerns about its potential impact on their homes and community. Despite these protests, the government has yet to amend the alignment. Silva, Alemao, and Viegas have all reiterated the need for the government to revisit the project plans and explore alternatives that would minimize disruptions to local life.
