Team Goemkarponn
VELIM: Villagers of Dandewado-Chinchinim on Wednesday stopped work on the NH66 expansion in the area, demanding clarity on the proposed alignment and urging authorities to provide a suitable bypass to avoid the densely populated portion of the village.
Velim MLA Cruz Silva, along with villagers and concerned panchayat members, was present at the site and extended support to the residents’ demands.
Silva said villagers have every right to know the exact alignment, scope of work and likely impact of the NH66 expansion before any work proceeds. He demanded that the concerned authorities make a detailed presentation to the people.
“The villagers have a right to know what is being proposed in their area. A proper presentation must be made before any work is allowed to proceed. The people cannot be expected to accept a project when the authorities have not clearly explained the proposal to them,” Silva said.
Residents clarified that they are not opposed to development or the expansion of NH66, but want the highway to be diverted through a suitable alignment so that the densely inhabited portion of Dandewado can be bypassed. They said they would have no objection to the project if an appropriate bypass or diversion is provided.
The villagers said the PWD had earlier assured them that their concerns would be heard and that a presentation on the proposed expansion would be made. However, they alleged that despite repeated demands, no such presentation or proper response has been provided.
Silva said that so far, only a plan has been shown and it remains unclear whether it represents the final alignment. “If this is only a plan and not the final proposal, then the authorities must come before the people and explain it. As villagers, we do not have complete information about the proposed expansion or its impact,” he said.
Following the lack of clarity, villagers stopped work on the concerned stretch of NH66 and demanded that no work be undertaken in the portion falling within the Velim constituency until the proposal is properly explained and their grievances are addressed.
The villagers criticised the government and PWD authorities for allegedly ignoring their repeated demands, maintaining that development projects affecting local communities must be carried out through proper consultation.
Silva urged the government to respect the concerns of the residents and immediately convene a meeting involving the concerned authorities, local representatives and affected villagers to resolve the issue.
