To Goanet - Today's Herald has a report on a press conference held by Matanhy Saldanha regarding the NH4 highway expansion.
I agree with only one portion of Matanhy's stance: that the land acquisition process must be IMMEDIATELY STOPPED by the Goa govt. On everything else I disagree with Matanhy. Matanhy suggests that the road be constructed per the guidelines in RP2021. I say, and have said here for quite a while: flush RP2021 down the toilet. If you don't then Goa will be flushed down the toilet. It is puzzling why Matanhy holds up RP2021 as a beacon of guidance. Matanhy suggests that the highway be routed through the hinterland so that the hinterland can be 'developed.' I say: is there anything wrong in letting the Goan hinterland remain just that - the hinterland? Why? So once we are done ruining the hinterland, what next Matahny-bab? Why is development only equated with large construction projects? Can't these fellows conceive of any other form of development? Matanhy-bab, the needs of the Goan hinterland are very basic: a working school, a working health clinic, clean water supply, sanitation. Is the highway going to solve ANY of that? The proponents of the NH4 highway know that this is a fat cash cow. That is what this is all about. No highway in the world has solved the problem of traffic congestion. Los Angeles has 12-lane one-way highway into and out of the city, and it has eased nothing. And America is a place where people adhere to traffic rules and traffic discipline. Imagine what would happen in a place like Goa/India. What the NH4 widening in Goa will do accelerate slummification and if Matanhy's proposal of the hinterland highway is accepted then that would be the fast track to widen the ghati footprint. Matahny et al - Traffic congestion WILL NOT be solved by widening of roads or adding more lanes. Not in India. Not in a million years. Please rethink your silly thoughts. Regards, r * * * Read Selma Carvalho's warmly-received book *Into the Diaspora Wilderness*, a journey through Goan life in Africa, the Gulf, England and North America ... gripping and well-told real-life stories. See http://selmacarvalho.squarespace.com/ Buy in Goa via Broadway Book Centre, Panjim. Ph 9822488564. * * *
