Daijiworld Media Network - Aldona
Aldona, Jul 21: In a strong show of unity, residents of Aldona have once again voiced opposition to the proposed 25-metre and 15-metre-wide roads under the Regional Plan, insisting that road widths be restricted to 10 metres, and internal roads capped at six metres.
The decision came during Sunday’s gram sabha meeting, where a resolution was unanimously passed to write to the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department objecting to the current road proposals.
“The people of our village said large roads are not required in Aldona for various reasons,” said Sarpanch Ashwin D’Souza. “Accordingly, a resolution was passed to write to the TCP objecting to 25 and 15-metre roads. People said 10-metre roads are enough and internal roads should be restricted to six metres.”
This is not the first time Aldona has resisted road expansion. Similar objections were raised during the 2012 Regional Plan consultations, but the TCP had gone ahead with the approval of wider roads at the time.
The gram sabha also saw heated opposition to a proposed futsal ground on the playground behind St Thomas Girls School. Locals argued that the land was originally acquired for public benefit and primarily for the use of the two nearby schools. While many members demanded a vote on the issue, the sarpanch refused, announcing a special gram sabha on August 3 to exclusively discuss the futsal ground proposal.
Traffic congestion near the village schools also came up for discussion. D’Souza said land acquisition near the institutions is being considered for parking facilities. In the meantime, the panchayat will coordinate with Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) and request assistance from the traffic police to manage vehicular movement during school hours.
In a separate development, the sarpanch confirmed that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) will move ahead with the construction of the village market at its existing site.
“All objections have been cleared as the ownership of the land solely lies with the church,” D’Souza said.
As Aldona continues to battle for preservation of its village identity and public spaces, residents are expected to stay actively engaged in future planning decisions.