PWD not following procedures, carrying out bulldozer development, allege residents
MAPUSA
Recent development efforts in Siolim-Marna have created a sense of unease among locals as several trees, some over a century old, have been felled ostensibly to widen the main road.
The stretch from Chopdem bridge to St Anthony’s church, up to Soro’s junction, is expected to see significant alterations, including the demolition of private compound walls to facilitate road expansion.
While authorities assert the necessity of road widening to alleviate traffic congestion, dissenting voices within the community raise concerns about the methods employed.
A resident, Lourenco Braganza, who is directly affected by the ongoing work, criticises the lack of consideration for alternatives to overcome traffic congestion.
“This development agenda looks suspect. The road widening is definitely not required. Improve the public transport system which will reduce the number of private vehicles on road,” Braganza opined.
Locals also questioned the process adopted by the PWD (Roads) to carry out the road expansion work without following procedures.
“Where are the procedures? There is no land acquisition. No layout plan. No approvals. This is nothing but bulldozer development,” an affected resident said, requesting anonymity.
The affected resident was ready to knock the doors of the court but held back as none of the neighbours wanted to join forces.
“I can’t fight it out alone. These people are against the haphazard development work but are getting scared to challenge the authorities,” he said.
Interestingly, senior PWD officials remained mum when questioned on the road works in Siolim-Marna.
Amidst the controversy, Amrut Agarwadekar, Chairman of the Biodiversity Management Committee, emphasised adherence to legal procedures and community involvement in development initiatives.
“Nobody is above the law. All works have to be taken up as per laid down procedure following the law of the land. We understand that water, electricity and roads are basic necessities but people have to be taken into confidence while taking up projects,” Agarwadekar said.
However, supporters of the road-widening project argue its necessity in addressing long-standing traffic issues.
“We are pained that these old trees have to make way for the road widening. But there was simply no other alternative. The particular road stretch is narrow and we have been facing constant traffic snarls on the stretch particularly at weekends,” said Vithu Chari, a resident of Porta-vaddo, Siolim, who offers watch repair services in the village.
According to PWD sources, the project aims to widen a 4 km stretch of road, introducing a 14-meter wide road with a central divider and footpaths on both sides.
Despite criticism, Siolim MLA Delilah Lobo’s husband and Calangute MLA Michael Lobo defended the development efforts, citing the pressing need to alleviate traffic congestion for the greater good of the community.
“This road stretch witnesses movement of heavy traffic. Ambulances get stuck in traffic jams as the road sees long queues of vehicles during peak hours. This work was very much needed,” said Lobo, who has been moving on the ground monitoring the ongoing road-widening work.
