Team Goemkarponn
SOCCORO: Tourism Minister and Porvorim MLA Rohan A. Khaunte on Tuesday laid the foundation stone for the construction of a new culvert at Vaddem Fields in Carrem Ward, Socorro, aimed at improving rural infrastructure and providing better connectivity for the farming community.
The culvert serves as an important access route for local farmers involved in agricultural activities, including the transportation of farm produce and other essential requirements.
The need for reconstruction arose after the existing bridge was damaged when a Fire and Emergency Services vehicle used the route to reach Aldona during a fire emergency. Following an inspection by the Water Resources Department, immediate steps were initiated and construction work was taken up within a few days.
Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony, Khaunte said that the vision of Viksit Goa, aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat, must include farmers and the agricultural community.
He said that although Porvorim is often perceived as an urban constituency, several areas continue to have a strong agricultural identity. He highlighted the role of the Farmer Club, established in 2008, in supporting the farming community.
Khaunte said the bridge at Carrem Ward was originally constructed to facilitate farmers in transporting their agricultural produce. After it was damaged during the emergency movement of the fire brigade vehicle, an inspection was conducted and reconstruction was initiated within four to five days.
He added that farmers had requested a durable and properly constructed bridge, and their concerns had been communicated to the contractor. Ensuring that development reaches every section of the constituency, particularly the farming community, remains a priority, he said.
Sandeep Salgaonkar, Zilla Panchayat member of Penha de França constituency; Amit Asnodkar, Zilla Panchayat member of Socorro constituency; and Soniya Sanjay Pednekar, Sarpanch of Socorro Panchayat, were present at the ceremony.
Panchayat members, farmers and local residents also attended the foundation-laying programme.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening essential infrastructure in rural and agricultural areas of Porvorim while ensuring improved connectivity for farmers and facilitating the transportation of agricultural produce.
