PONDA: Following the direction from the National Highways Authority of India, the Ponda Municipal Council during a special meeting decided to close the controversial Kavlem-Khadpaband Road, on Monday.
Speaking to the media persons after the meeting, Chairperson Venktesh Naik said following a letter from NHAI for closure of Kavlem-Khadpaband Road, the PMC decided to close this road as it was connected dangerously to the National Highway, passing through Dhavlim-Farmagudi junction road, inviting accidents.
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He said, “The road is also not shown on Outline Development Plan of Ponda city.”
“This is unauthorised road created by one builder while constructing residential complex and not the PWD land acquired road and so the PMC will close this road and would recover cost of closing from the said builder,” he added.
It may be recalled that recently former PWD minister and Marcaim MLA Sudin Dhavalikar and Kavlem Panchayat locals had warned the PMC of launching agitation if the said road is closed claiming that it is officially acquired by PWD and was shorter route to Kavlem to Ponda City and vice versa. They mentioned that they were in possession of document for the land acquisition of the said road.
Other decisions taken at the meeting are, allowing chicken vendors to do business at their existing places following social distancing norm, reconstruction fish market and constructing bio digester project by asking fund from the government.
It has also decided to constructing new commercial Projects in Muncipal area by demolishing Shastri Hall building so as to generate income and meet its expenditure including salaries of PMC as per direction of DMA which has asked PMC to become self reliant.
PMC has also decided to increase monthly garbage collection fee from Rs 30 to 60 as per DMA direction however it will first take public opinion from the locals of city on the issue.
