Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: In an unexpected turn of events, the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) began constructing gates and a compound wall to block access to the ramps of the newly inaugurated loop flyover in Vasco. This development, which occurred barely a day after the flyover’s inauguration by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, has sparked outrage among locals and the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC).
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker and ward councillor Deepak Naik, responding to complaints from locals, rushed to the site and halted the contractor’s work. According to MMC sources, the MPA Chief Engineer allegedly insulted the MMC Chairperson when contacted for clarification on the construction.
“We Will Not Tolerate Dadagiri,” Said MMC
Ward councillor Deepak Naik expressed gratitude for the government’s flyover project but condemned MPA’s actions.
“MPA has erected a wall and installed gates at the entry and exit ramps of the loop flyover without informing the local authorities. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari clearly stated during the inauguration that the infrastructure was for public convenience. How can MPA contradict this and block access?” said Naik.
Naik also questioned the legality of MPA’s actions. “Does this mean locals need an MPA pass to use this infrastructure? We condemn this move and will not allow such actions. If the gates and wall are not removed, we will use bulldozers to dismantle them, no matter the consequences,” he added.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker stated that the MPA should have disclosed their plans before the inauguration.
“They waited until after the inauguration to start this construction. This raises serious questions about their intentions. The MPA Chief Engineer also behaved arrogantly when approached for clarification. We demand an immediate apology from him and a clear explanation of their plans,” said Borker.
Borker emphasized that the MMC will not allow any further construction until the matter is resolved. “The people have already endured hardships during the construction phase of the flyover. Now, instead of benefiting from it, they are being denied access. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Residents of Vasco have expressed their anger and vowed to support the MMC in opposing MPA’s actions. Concerns were also raised about the broader impact of central government agencies operating in the region without considering local interests.
MMC Chairperson Girish Borker said that
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar has assured the public that a meeting will be held within two days with all relevant authorities to address the issue. Until then, MMC officials and locals have vowed to prevent any further construction at the site.
This unfolding controversy has put the spotlight on the relationship between central agencies and local authorities, with MMC determined to stand firm against what they term as “dadagiri” by the MPA.