Team Goemkarponn
BHOMA: In a bid to quell rising concerns over a proposed road project in Bhoma, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant met with a delegation of villagers on Friday, offering firm assurances that neither local homes nor the area’s revered temple would be harmed during highway expansion.
“I don’t want to demolish a single house,” said Sawant during the meeting. “If any house is being affected, show me. I’m ready to change the plan.”
He further said that not a single portion of the temple will be demolished.
“We don’t want to demolish any house. If any house is affected, show me, and I’m ready to change the plan,” he added
The interaction, held in Sankhali, comes amid growing apprehension among Bhoma residents about the potential impact of the infrastructure development on their community and heritage.
Villagers have expressed fears that the proposed road alignment could result in the displacement of families and damage to cultural landmarks.
To further address these worries, Sawant announced that he would hold a follow-up meeting on Monday at the Mantralaya, where he and his technical team will present the detailed project plan for public review.
He emphasized his commitment to transparency and promised to incorporate feedback from residents.
Residents of Bhoma had raised strong objections to the proposed elevated highway project planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), despite assurances from officials that the design will avoid damaging local temples.
According to sources within the NHAI, the highway will pass through Bhoma on elevated pillars, affecting only four houses and a few roadside shops. Authorities have maintained that the temples in the village will remain untouched.
However, the Bhomkars disputed these claims, expressing concerns that the construction could endanger their heritage structures and impact far more homes than reported. Many of the affected households lack official ownership documents, placing them in a vulnerable position.
Recently, land acquisition notices were issued to residents, but several villagers have refused to accept compensation.
They argue that the project poses a threat to their cultural identity and the historical fabric of the village.
