Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: South Goa MP, Capt Viriato Fernandes, met with Union Minister for Road Transport & Highway Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to seek his intervention in protecting Bhoma village from the proposed expansion of NH 4A. The village, known for its three temples and other religious structures, is facing potential destruction due to the highway expansion.
Capt Fernandes, supported by all Opposition parties in Goa, conveyed the concerns of hundreds of villagers from Bhoma of Priol constituency who are strongly opposing the highway expansion. Their resistance is motivated by the fear of losing their homes and temples if the expansion project moves forward.
In his meeting with Nitin Gadkari, Capt Fernandes raised the issues faced by the villagers in Bhoma and other locations due to the highway expansion. He also emphasized the anxieties of farmers regarding the proposed Borim bridge, which is foreseen to impact the ‘Khazans’ and agricultural land.
During the discussion, Capt Fernandes sought solutions to the pressing issues and urged for the involvement of the main stakeholders – the farmers and villagers – in addressing their concerns.
Prior to this, the villagers of Bhoma had written a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, appealing for her intervention to safeguard their village. For over a year, the villagers have staged more than 10 protests and participated in numerous meetings, receiving support from opposition political parties including Congress, Goa Forward, and the Revolutionary Goans Party.
The villagers have proposed that instead of destroying their village, the Public Works Department should consider constructing a bypass to address the transportation needs. They are particularly concerned about the potential impact of the highway expansion on three temples and two other religious structures in the village.
