Residents oppose to change in bridge alignment at Dongorim
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, MARCH 19
Residents of Benduxem, Dongorim, Navelim have reiterated their opposition to the change in alignment of the proposed bridge connecting the wards of Navelim and Aquem Baixo village at Dongorim and Firgulem respectively.
In a statement, Joseph Vaz stated that a report prepared by the PWD in November 2009 suggests that the proposal in terms of the development plan of the property named Benduxem duly approved by the TCP was not possible because of the illegal structure and encroachments which have reduced the width of the road from 10 meters to a mere three meters.
He said the Order passed by the District Session Court paves way for the authorities to raze down the illegal structure, but added that the Panchayat is moving at a snails pace. The report issued by the PWD proves to be an attempt to shift the alignment only to save the illegal structure and encroachments and secure support in terms of votes by those in power.
He said the residents want to know why the PWD is bulldozing its way through their internal lanes when provision has been made for a 10-meter wide road along the Northern boundary. “Why are they protecting the illegal structure at our cost. Is the existing three meter width road from Benduxem to Navelim Panchayat wide enough to accommodate the proposed eight meter wide bridge”, he sought to know.
While requesting the PWD to reconsider its decision, Vaz said the resident have served a notice on the PWD and plan to move the high court to seek justice.
