Team Goemkarponn
CORTALIM: In a significant win for residents and shopkeepers of Queeny Nagar and surrounding areas, the Public Works Department (PWD) has assured MLA Anton Vas and protestors that the access via the existing MDR road, which had been abruptly closed by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), will be restored. The assurance came after a joint site inspection involving officials from PWD, NHAI, Verna Police, Traffic Police, social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, and local residents.
The road closure had sparked protests from locals who rely on it for their daily commute. Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza, who spearheaded the protests, invited Velsao resident and retired PWD senior Chief engineer Joaquim Primo Souza, the officer who had originally acquired the land for the MDR road, to join the inspection. Souza explained that the NHAI had no jurisdiction over the road and criticized the PWD for their silence as the road was dug up and access was closed.
After extensive discussions with MLA Anton Vas and other departments, the PWD committed to providing a 4-meter-wide access for locals via the MDR road.
Cortalim MLA Anton Vas, speaking to the media, expressed concern over the abrupt road closure:
“There are many shops and houses in the area that have been affected by the works taken up by the NHAI. This road is crucial for the people of Queeny Nagar, Velsao, Zuarinagar, and beyond. It serves as a major commuting route and is essential for public transport. I have directed the PWD to immediately clear the road as the diversions have caused confusion, forcing vehicles to use the wrong side and leading to accidents.”
Vas added, “The NHAI contractor damaged a water pipeline, leaving people without water for three days. We’ve instructed the PWD to repair the pipeline immediately and shift it permanently to avoid future issues.”
Social worker Roquezinho D’Souza explained why he sought MLA Vas’s intervention:
“The sudden closure of this busy MDR road caused widespread frustration. Since I’m not a technical expert, I invited Joaquim Primo Souza, who was involved in the road’s acquisition, to provide clarity. Souza confirmed that NHAI had no right to close this road. The PWD has now agreed to open the road, and we’ve also requested that the water pipelines be shifted before further work continues.”
D’Souza further criticized NHAI for overstepping its authority:
“Hundreds of shops and houses received NOCs and approvals based on the road access. Without this road, the legality of these structures could be questioned. The NHAI has misused its power, not informing the MLA, Panchayat, or PWD before taking action. We will use the RTI to obtain their plans, and we will not allow the works to proceed until proper assurances are in place.”
Retired PWD Chief Engineer Joaquim Primo Souza provided a technical perspective on the situation:
“The NHAI mistakenly believed that the MDR road was part of the National Highway. In fact, this is an Ordinary District Road, and the Highway lies behind it. The NHAI encroached on this road and abruptly halted access, but MLA Anton Vas’s intervention has restored the rights of the people.”
Former Velsao Sarpanch and builder Angelo Alcancoas also voiced his concerns:
“Who gave permission to cut a busy MDR road? Where was the PWD when NHAI was digging up the road? Initially, we were told this was temporary work, but it appears to be permanent. The PWD should have acted sooner. Fortunately, MLA Vas has intervened, but it’s his responsibility to ensure that this road remains open for the public.”
The PWD’s commitment to restore access has provided relief to residents and shopkeepers, who had been struggling with the road closure’s impact on their daily lives and businesses. The next steps will involve reopening the road and ensuring that essential services like water supply are no longer disrupted.