Nod for Panjim-Usgao alignment
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, NOV 26
The House Committee meeting on Friday gave its nod to the finalisation of the alignment of 35 km stretch between Panjim and Usgao.
The committee, however, kept on hold the decision on the alignment for the stretch between Old Goa-Corlim and Bhoma.
Speaking to Herald, PWD Minister Churchill Alemao said that the decision to approve the stretch of 35 km was unanimous.
“The House Committee unanimously decided to impose Section 3(D) of land acquisition,” Churchill said.
The minister further said that the committee has suggested a bypass from Old Goa to Bhoma, which would save many structures.
The joint committee of the government had brought down the number of demolitions from 569 to 136, however, the National Highway Diversion Action Committee was not satisfied with it.
Sources in the PWD said that if the bypass is taken from Old Goa to Bhoma it would save many more structures.
Speaking further, Churchill said that the House Committee also appointed a six-member committee which will look into the other demands of the NHDAC.
“The six-member committee chaired by Chief Minister Digambar Kamat will look into the aspects of toll, division of villages and sound pollution,” Churchill said.
Opposition leader Manohar Parrikar, Power Minister Aleixo Sequeira, Santa Cruz MLA Victoria Fernandes and Churchill would be the other members of the committee which would submit the report to the House Committee.
Further, PWD minister stated that the government will now impose Section 3(D) and send to the National Highways Authority of India for the finalisation of alignment and issue work order on that stretch.
The Centre has threatened to withdraw the project if the State delays in acquiring land.
The Central Minister for Road Transport and Highways Kamal Nath, during his visit to Goa recently, had given a deadline till November 30 for imposing Section 3(D).
