PANJIM: Criticising Congress and NGOs for instigating the farmers of Cortalim and people of South Goa, PWD Minister Ramkrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar said the farmers should feel lucky that Goa was allowed to acquire 30 metres width land for expansion of National Highway 66.
“The farmers have to realise that we have acquired only 30 meters and not 60 meters as required by NHAI,” Dhavalikar said. He stated that this was possible only because of the efforts of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
“Goa is only state permitted 30 metre acquisition,” he said. He explained that if the 60-mt width land was acquired there would have been no issues at all.
“The road could have been completed at cost of just Rs 50 cr but we have opted for elevated road which has cost Rs 250 cr just to save the land of the famers,” he said.
He said some NGOs and Congress members have been instigating the farmers and people of South Goa. He added that they are aware of the people’s woes and hence another inspection will be held on Wednesday along with PWD officials and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha
“On January 7 again we will meet Navy officers along with Alina Saldanha, Vijai Sardesai, Mauvin Godinho along with new Chief Secretary and PWD Secretary,” he said.
On Sardesai showing discontent on diversion of road, he said, “We are confident of convincing Vijai as he too does not want any fatality. This is huge project and we have the elevated road width will be 28 meters and in case of accident there can be many casualties,” he said.
