CM: Bhoma project to affect 4 structures, bypass unviable

Special Correspondent

Panaji

Stating that four structures will be demolished due to the proposed national highway project in Bhoma, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that bypass along the village was not feasible, as land surrounding the village is
a Khazan land.

“Owners whose structures will be demolished will be given alternative land as also compensation funds to reconstruct structures,” Sawant said, maintaining that the village temple would remain untouched. He also said that the villagers of Bhoma have been misled by someone.

The Chief Minister said the government is ready to give in writing to the 40 house owners from Bhoma that their houses will not be affected by the national highway project. He said that among the four structures to be affected, two belong to the same owner.

“Small kiosks on government-acquired land will also be relocated near the temple premises,” Sawant said, claiming that names of several house owners were included in the acquisition notification due to common
survey numbers.

Around 70-odd villagers, who met the Chief Minister at his office, were shown the detailed plan by public works department officials.

“We are constructing a 25-metre-wide road, not a 60-metre road,” Sawant said, pointing out that alternative routes suggested involve eco-sensitive and Khazan lands, which are not viable. “Officials will conduct a site visit and explain about the demarcation and the project plan to the villagers
tomorrow,” he said.

Incidentally, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced on April 7, 2025, that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,060.21 crore for the four-laning of a 7-km stretch from Bhoma to Old Goa on NH-748.

Welcoming the move to demarcate the road stretch, Bhoma villagers said it would give them a proper idea of how exactly the road will pass through the village and which structures will be affected due to widening of the road.