In a memorandum submitted to the Saligao sarpanch, the residents have objected to the widening of the road to 20 metres by demolishing the houses and compound walls of the residents.
They also stated that as per the plan received by the panchayat, the balconies and compound walls of few houses faces the danger of demolition.
“The panchayat should take up the matter with the authorities concerned and impress upon them not to undertake the demolition of compound walls and houses of the residents,” states the memorandum.
Saligao MLA and Tourism Minster Dilip Parulekar stated that the plans regarding widening of road to 20 metres have been sent to Saligao and Sangolda Panchayats to invite suggestions and views of the residents.
“However, it has been observed that the residents instead of approaching me with their grievances, they directly approach the media and create unnecessary tension in the village.
There has been growing tendency among the people to oppose any developmental work in the village,” said Parulekar.
“The traffic along the Porvorim-Calangute road has increased many folds in recent years. Hence, widening of the road has become a need of the hour. The State government has proposed to widen the road by 30 metres, to which I objected and got it reduced to 20 metres,” added Parulekar.
“The government is not interested in demolishing the houses of the people. If some compound walls are demolished, then the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation will rebuilt it free of cost. Hence, people should not get panic and cooperate with the authorities,” he said.
“Development of the village will not take place if objections are raised now and then by the residents,” said Parulekar.
