Say the projects are to promote a few hotels and wine shops
TEAM HERALD
PORVORIM: Objecting to the manner in which two underpasses are being planned to link the PDA colony with the highway, residents affiliated to Porvorim NGPDA Residents Plot Owners Association (PNRPOA) stated that they should have been allowed to put forth their views and recommendations on the proposed project.
In a letter to the chief minister on behalf of the PNRPOA, Ward Panch Sangeeta Narvekar said the residents came to know of the proposed two underpasses through a Herald report.
“The residents under banner of PNRPOA, which is a registered association and recognised by the NGPDA, has strongly objected to the manner in which the two underpasses are planned in which the internal narrow roads, part of the PDA and open spaces may be used in the name of providing two underpasses,” said Narvekar.
“We have a right to know the details of any development planned by the local MLA or the other government department within or around the PDA Colony. We clarify that the MLA or the other government department need not seek our permission, but should allow us to put forth our views and recommendations, if any.”
“The two proposed underpasses should not be camouflaged for the benefit of certain persons involved in commercial activity in a residential zone at the cost of causing inconvenience to the rest of the residents, and financial burden on the exchequer and still further allow such project to encroach on constitutional rights of the residents.”
“The members of PNRPOA fear that the narrow roads, which are already crowded with tourists frequenting the hotels and wine shops which have come up in a residential colony, will further cause inconvenience, as these two underpasses may be planned to promote their business and not for the welfare of the residents,” said Narvekar.
Narvekar stated that she was neither aware nor consulted on the project.
“Being the elected panchayat member of the PDA Colony, the PNRPOA asked me to explain about the plan and point the access roads to the two underpasses. However, I was unable to do so. The fact is, I too am not aware about the details,” said Narvekar.
“I was neither consulted nor were my views sought on the proposed development. Though, I am the elected panchayat representative of the said PDA I am not being provided with any details so that I can take it to the residents for their views and comments.”
Narvekar has requested the chief minister to ensure that authorities concerned meet local residents of PDA colony with prior two weeks notice, before going ahead with any foundation stone laying ceremony for the two underpasses or before going ahead with the tender process for the proposed project.
“Authorities concerned and officials should explain the project and note the views/grievances of the local residents, if any, for further appropriate decision,” said Narvekar. “Till such time, the project may be kept on hold.”
Copies of the letter have been forwarded to local MLA and Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar, the Chief Town Planner, the Town and Country Planning department, secretary (tourism) and the PWD (roads).
