Goemkarponn desk
PONDA: Reiterating their resentment to National Highway expansion through Bhoma bazaar, villager Sanjay Naik said that the villagers of Bhoma are not looking forward to rehabilitation as an alternate option but demanding to save the village by considering an alternate route for highway expansion.
“We are aware of the rise in accidents on this stretch. We are not against road expansion. To curb the rising accidents, the stretch of Bhoma needs to be expanded, but not at the cost of our ancient old houses, sacred places, temples and local business. As an alternative, we have suggested that the expansion of the National Highway be done from fields and not through the village,” he said.
“Our local MLA is speaking about the government’s plan to reallocate the plots and rehabilitate the villagers if any of the house or shop has to be demolished due to road expansion. We are demanding the proper survey and alignment plan in this matter. We demand our voice to be heard, but alas”, added Naik.
Stating that many, including her are primary members of the Bharatiya Janata Party, Gulab Naik, “We have been official members of this party for more than three decades. All these years, we used to support the party but not anymore”. She threatened to resign from the party’s primary membership if their demand was not considered.
“Local MLA is stating that opposition exists for road expansion through an alternate route. We request MLA to tell the names of those who oppose because, as far as our knowledge is concerned, every villager has their consent for an alternate route”, said Rajan Naik, a villager from Madhlawada.
Adding further, Naik said, “We are not asking to halt the road expansion. We are asking to consider the villagers’ request for a bypass road. We are asking to come clear on the alignment plan for an alternate route as suggested by the villagers”.
Alleging that the local MLA is making statements without verifying the facts, Naik said, “MLA should come clear on certain things without making any ambiguous statements”.
