The heraldgoa.in has reported that The Public Works Department (PWD) Goa and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Bangalore Regional Office are at loggerheads over the works of the Chorla Ghat Goa-Belagavi road repairs works.
The PWD has denied NOC to the NHAI to take up the works of the Goa section of the mountainous road reportedly to avoid duplication of works.
The entire stretch of the Belagavi to Goa route is in shambles and recently Govind Karjol, district in-charge minister of Belagavi held a review meeting he said that the work on the Belagavi to Chorla road would commence on November 14 and he himself will participate in the Bhoomi pooja.
Even the Chief Minister of Goa who was here for a visit said the same that the road needs urgent attention.
The minister has directed the officials of the forest department to give all kinds of cooperation without raising any unnecessary disputes regarding this work.
The Herald further quotes Goa PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral – “We have repaired the Goa section of the Chorla Ghat road. We couldn’t wait for them (NHAI). The NHAI has planned to take up the road widening and other works on this stretch. When I read the tender I found it is the same work that we have already done which is only hot-mixing.”
He further said, “I have refused to give NOC of the work as we don’t want to do duplication of works. I have asked to drop our road stretch. I have asked to take up the works from the Goa border to your (Karnataka) section.”