NHDAC protests NH expansion

NHDAC protests NH expansion
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 29 
National Highway Diversion Action Committee (NHDAC) on Monday protested in Panjim opposing the expansion of the National Highway.
The protesters who had planned the action near Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) were stopped by police at Collectorate junction this morning.
After initial verbal spat, the agitators comprising of around 25-30 members decided to continue their day-long sitting on pavement opposite Collectorate building.
Few agitators were taken to Panjim town police and explained that the dharna would cause inconvenience to people. Police have confirmed that there were no arrests made.
Large squad of police drawn from nearby police stations was deployed at the place till the dharna concluded in the evening. 
Leader of Opposition Manohar Parrikar, in the first half attended the gathering and lend his support. 
“The dharna is one way to oppose the Government’s decision of bringing in Section 3 (D) of NH Act. How it is applied even before the House Committee report of November 26, 2010 is placed on the floor of the House?” NHDAC convenor Sunil Desai said.
The protestors argued that the Government’s action is contempt of House Assembly. They said their aim to hold dharna outside ESG was to grab attention of the national and international media and delegates about the issue and ‘harassment’ meted out by the Government on common man.
The House Committee, which met on Friday unanimously decided to enforce Section 3 (D) of Land Acquisition from November 29.  
At a press briefing on Sunday, Dinesh Waghale, a senior activist said that Chief Minister Digambar Kamat had assured that not an inch of land would be acquired for the highway expansion but the fact was reverse.
“Information under Right To Information revealed that the State will have to acquire 51.60 lakh square metres of land for the purpose,” he said. NHDAC has been demanding that the Government should change the current alignment, passing through the urban area.
The protestors have held public meetings and road blockades in the past have threatened to intensify its agitation.