Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco
Vasco, Nov 23: MLA Krishna Salkar on Saturday conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing railway underpass and road-widening works near Tanya Hotel, assuring residents that the age-old tree at the centre of the project will be preserved. He said the project has been redesigned to balance development needs with environmental protection.
Speaking to reporters, Salkar said safeguarding the tree is a top priority. “All measures will be taken to protect the tree and maintain a balance between development and the environment. Wherever possible, this will remain my top priority,” he said.
Salkar explained that the additional railway underpass is being constructed specifically for emergency vehicles. “Concrete frames will be fitted beneath the railway bridge to create the new passage, while the existing road remains open. Once the frames are installed, emergency vehicles will get priority, and the widened road will function like a four-lane road,” he added.
He noted that an earlier proposal to lift the railway tracks for a new underpass was dropped due to high costs and ongoing upgrades at Vasco railway station. “We then finalised this concrete-frame proposal with the railways to ensure people’s safety,” Salkar said.
The MLA assured that frames would be installed in three to four days, after which residents will have clarity on vehicular movement. Road widening is expected to be completed in the next two months.
Highlighting the emotional connection locals have with longstanding trees, Salkar said environmental considerations were integral to the project. “Vasco people share a strong bond with old trees. While wider roads are needed to reduce accidents and congestion, our first priority is always to save these trees,” he said.
Regarding the tree near Tanya Hotel, he explained that engineers redesigned the alignment to avoid cutting it. “Though we had permission to cut it, we created an alignment to preserve it. Preservation will always be preferred; transplantation is considered only if absolutely necessary,” Salkar said, noting that two other age-old trees have already been saved through similar adjustments.