NT NETWORK
MARGAO
Alleging that national highway work from Agaccaim to Loliem has been done in violation of the forest, agriculture and CRZ rules, the affected Goa Velha- Loliem locals have demanded the government to immediately stop the work until a detailed report of the impact on environment is carried out and shown to them.
Addressing the media, the residents alleged that their land has been grabbed by the government for the project which, they said, will not benefit them in anyway.
“This is not a national highway. As per PWD, it is Mangalore- Panvel expressway project. The ruling government is trying to fool us. We should not allow this to happen. We will intensify our agitation,” alleged Aralldo Pinto.
The locals further alleged that there are blatant violations in the project work, mentioning that prime agricultural land is at stake due to landfilling, hill-cutting, land fragmentation that is happening to facilitate the construction of the highway.
Another resident, Datta Prasad Prabhugaonkar, alleged that their land acquired by the government has not been utilised for the purpose and, as such, it should be given back to them. He said the people are angered over lack of openness on the project.