Porvorim: During Zero Hour at the Goa Legislative Assembly today, MLA Viresh Borkar expressed strong concerns regarding the ongoing road widening projects under the Regional Plan (RP) 2021. Borkar highlighted widespread fear among citizens that the widening works could result in the demolition of homes, shops, and even religious structures. He emphasized that notices have reportedly been served even to heritage homes from the Portuguese era, compounding local anxieties.
Borkar criticized the government for failing to clarify the proposed width of the roads—whether they plan to expand to 10, 15, 25, or 30 metres—leaving affected residents without clear information about the scope of the project. He urged the government to urgently provide transparent details on its plans and address public concerns, stressing the importance of protecting Goa’s built heritage and providing certainty to those living and operating businesses along the affected corridors.
The issue of inadequate communication and the potential legal and cultural ramifications has sparked similar opposition from various sections of society, who fear irreversible damage unless the government openly addresses these ambiguities.
