Assonora-Bicholim road land acquisition process kept on hold
samir umarye
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Panjim: Public Works Minister Ramakrishna (Sudin) Dhavalikar on Monday ordered to keep on hold the land acquisition process for widening of a stretch of road from Assonora to Bicholim till discussions are held with the villagers and the affected parties.
Several villagers from Assonora, Mulgao and Bordem, who were issued final notices by Bicholim PWD acquisition officer, to appear before him on October 31, met the Minister, expressing shock. According to villagers, for the stretch of road from Assonora Bridge to Mulgaon, Vhalshi, Bordem to Bicholim, 400 houses will be affected due to land acquisition for road widening.
The delegation was led by MGP leader Naresh Sawal. The villagers said the government should work out a solution as it will affect their houses, which exist for decades and that the compensation cum reward granted is very meagre.
The Minister assured the villagers to hold back the process. “Directions have been issued to cancel the proceeding to be held on October 31. For now the land acquisition process is kept on hold,” Dhavalikar said. He said the government will discuss with the affected parties before going ahead with the land acquisition.
“I have heard them and will hold discussions accordingly. We will ensure that no one suffers due to the land acquisition,” Dhavalikar said.
According to the notices, the land will be taken into possession on October 30 as it is required for highway road development and widening. The acquisition process for land from Assonora Bridge to Bicholim was started in June 2014.
Affected villagers had protested the acquisition in 2014. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was then the Defence Minister, had assured that no land acquisition would be made until the demands of the people are met. [H]