Pernem citizens, council, MLA oppose main road expansion

Mapusa: Pernem citizens, businessmen, Pernem Municipal Council (PMC) and Pernem MLA have opposed the proposed widening of major district road (MDR) to 25m that will pass through the Pernem market. They said that the road will pierce through establishments, houses and temples destroying the unique character and identity of Pernem.

Pernem market committee organised the meeting that was attended by PMC chairperson Manoj Harmalkar and MLA Pravin Arlekar.

Haralkar said in the Regional Plan 2011, the road was shown as 15-metre-wide. However, in the Regional Plan 2021, it was shown as 25-metre-wide.

“If the road is made 25-metre-wide, it will affect the Pernem market area as all the shops, old houses and temples of this place will have to be demolished, Haralkar said.

The local MLA said, “We do not want a 25m road. Govt has to propose an 8-9m road. There are many temples in this area. Temples preserve our culture and identity. Keeping in mind the opposition of the citizens, it is requested to widen the road by 8-9m,” Arlekar said.

He assured the locals that he will hold a joint meeting with chief minister Pramod Sawant, Pernem market committee and the locals.