Team Goemkarponn
CHICHINIM: South Goa MP Capt. Viriato Fernandes has assured his support to residents of Dandewado and Chinchinim opposing the proposed alignment of the NH-66 expansion, with locals demanding a diversion to avoid the impact on houses and residential areas.
Fernandes said the Velim Sarpanch and Panchayat members had met him and urged that the existing expansion plan be reconsidered and an alternative bypass route explored in line with the demands of residents.
The MP said he had personally met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and apprised him of the concerns raised by the local community. According to Fernandes, Gadkari assured him that the matter would be discussed with the Goa Government during his visit to the state.
Fernandes also said he raised the issue during a Road Safety Committee meeting, where he urged National Highway authorities to examine the possibility of changing the proposed alignment. He said the need to consult Goan officials before finalising the road design was also discussed.
“Although it was decided in the meeting that the route should be changed, the authorities have still not made the necessary changes,” Fernandes said.
Questioning the manner in which the road alignment was planned, Fernandes said the design had been prepared by contractors from Delhi and Hyderabad, who, according to him, may not have sufficient knowledge of Goa’s local geography and topography.
Fernandes reiterated that he would continue to stand with the affected residents and take up their concerns with the authorities, particularly over protecting houses and ensuring that the NH-66 expansion does not unnecessarily affect local communities.
