Porvorim:The high level meeting of Goa government held to discuss the diversion of road to give way for construction of new Zuari bridge remained inconclusive. But several suggestions were made during the hour long meeting held at Secretariate.
The ministers and government officers participating in the meeting decided to inspect the place on December 30, while suggestions are also made to check whether a service road in the fields nearby can be constructed for the flow of traffic.
PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar, Town and Country Planning Minister Vijai Sardesai, Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha were present for the meeting which was held this afternoon.
Dhavalikar said that the meeting discussed pros and cons of diverting the road for almost one year as per the request of contracting firm Dilip BuildCon.
He said that suggestion about taking up the paddy field on rent to construct a service road to ensure that the traffic flow is smooth was considered, which would be discussed with the farmers.
He said that various options are being worked out including closing of the road only for a month to reduce the inconvenience for the travelers.
Dhavalikar said they will be inspecting the place on December 30 at 4 p.m. to take stock of the situation.
“The proposal of road closure given considering the safety of the travelers. We don’t want to behave irresponsibly,” he said.
Dhavalikar said that the entire issue would be discussed with Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar after December 30, before taking any call.
TCP Minister Sardesai emphasized that the road will not be closed before January 16 considering that the feast of St Joseph Vaz is being held.
“If there is any diversion, then it will not be before January 16,” he said.
He said that the aspect of compensating the farmers for using their paddy field for construction of temporary service road is also being thought about.
Godinho said that everyone will be taken into confidence before taking any step.
