Says the chosen seventh alignment will not affect a single house
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant speaks in the Legislative Assembly.
Photo Credits: Narayan Pissurlenkar
MAPUSA
Addressing concerns raised by the opposition, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant assured the Goa Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the new Borim Bridge is intended as an industrial corridor and not solely for coal transport.
This statement came amid fears that the bridge would primarily facilitate coal handling. Sawant informed the House that the seventh alignment for the bridge's construction had been selected and approved by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), ensuring that no houses would be demolished in the process.
He acknowledged that out of the 39.31 hectares of land to be acquired for the new bridge, 11.01 hectares (1.10 lakh square metres) comprise khazan land.
“The land farmers who have lost land will be provided 100 percent compensation for land acquired. In addition, they will also be compensated for three years in view of the loss of income through farming and pisciculture,” Sawant assured.
He also emphasised the government's commitment to desilting the land after the bridge's construction to enable the resumption of farming activities, although he conceded that fully reviving the khazan lands would be challenging.
Sawant mentioned that the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) had conducted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the project, and approval from the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA) was in process. He expressed his willingness to meet with farmers to discuss their concerns.
The issue was initially raised by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai during the Question Hour. Sardesai highlighted the importance of integrated khazan management as a heritage and cornerstone of Goa’s ecosystem. He pointed out that the Borim Bridge would pass through a significant area of khazan land. Referring to a Public Works Department (PWD) report, Sardesai said the existing Borim Bridge has a remaining lifespan of 20 years and Rs 20 crore has been earmarked for its repair.
Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao voiced fears that the new bridge was primarily being constructed to facilitate coal transportation. “Are the people and farmers important, or is coal transport more important?” Alemao questioned.
Sawant clarified that the new bridge is not exclusively for coal transport but also aims to support the pharmaceutical industry at Verna. “New pharma industries are coming to Goa. The Verna Industrial Estate has become a pharmaceutical hub. The new Borim bridge will become an industrial corridor,” he explained.
