Chinchinim, Aug 26: Villagers of Dandewado-Chinchinim on Wednesday stopped the ongoing NH66 expansion work in their area, demanding that the authorities first provide complete clarity on the proposed project and consider a bypass to protect the densely inhabited village.

Velim MLA Cruz Silva, along with concerned panchayat members, joined the villagers at the site and extended support to their demand.

Silva said residents have every right to know the exact alignment, scope and likely impact of the NH66 expansion before construction is undertaken. He demanded that the authorities make a detailed presentation of the project before the villagers.

“The villagers have a right to know what is being proposed in their area. A proper presentation must be made before any work is allowed to proceed. People cannot be expected to accept a project when the proposal itself has not been clearly explained to them,” Silva said.

The villagers clarified that they are not opposed to development or the expansion of NH66, but have consistently demanded an alternative alignment or bypass so that the highway does not pass through the densely populated portion of Dandewado.

According to the residents, they would have no objection to the highway expansion if a suitable diversion is provided outside the inhabited area.

Villagers said the PWD had earlier assured them that their concerns would be heard and that a presentation on the proposed expansion would be made. However, despite repeated demands, no such presentation has been held and the authorities have allegedly failed to provide a satisfactory response.

Silva said that so far only a plan has been shown to the villagers, with no clarity on whether it represents the final alignment.

“If this is only a plan and not the final proposal, the authorities must come before the people and explain everything. The villagers do not have complete information about the proposed expansion or how it will affect them,” he said.

As work commenced on the concerned stretch on Wednesday, villagers gathered at the site and stopped it. They demanded that no further work be carried out on the stretch falling within the Velim constituency until their grievances are heard and the project details are clarified.

Residents also criticised the government and PWD authorities, accusing them of ignoring their repeated representations. They maintained that development projects affecting homes and local communities cannot be implemented without meaningful consultation with those directly affected.

Silva urged the government to immediately convene a meeting involving PWD and other concerned authorities, elected representatives and affected residents.

He said dialogue and transparency were essential to resolving the dispute and called upon the government to address the villagers’ demand for a bypass before proceeding with the NH66 expansion work.