Narrow Roads: A Shield Against Real Estate Overdevelopment in Goa
I was driving through some quaint villages in North Goa which seem so beautiful and simply amazing. It reminded me of the stark similarities with some places I had visited in Europe, particularly Italy. I was happy and surprised at the same that these places seemed sort of off limits from the greed of commercial concretization and destruction we see in many parts of Goa. This trend is often headed by “wealthy/black money rich” individuals or companies from outside Goa, with the help of their partners in crime, such as ministers, MLAs, and government officials.
As I realized, it was the small narrow roads that are actually a sort of deterrence against rampant real estate destruction priorities. Road widening normally should mean better for residents, but as we now observe in Goa, specific politicians are “over enthusiastic” about road widening even without official orders. This enthusiasm is often driven by the desire to encourage more real estate development, mainly by “money bags” from outside Goa.
With the widening of roads comes a host of issues: more pollution, increased traffic, less water supply, sewage problems, power issues, and social ills. All these problems come with stressing the places way beyond their carrying capacity. So, I actually think that it’s better to have small roads in villages.
The narrow roads in these villages serve as a natural barrier against the overdevelopment that has plagued other parts of Goa. They make it difficult for large construction vehicles to navigate, thereby limiting the scope for large-scale real estate projects. This, in turn, helps preserve the natural beauty and the traditional way of life in these areas.
Moreover, the preservation of narrow roads also means that the villages remain more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. The reduced traffic and pollution levels contribute to a better quality of life for the residents.
However, the push for road widening continues, often driven by political and economic interests rather than the well-being of the local communities. It is crucial for the residents and local authorities to be vigilant and to advocate for the preservation of these narrow roads. By doing so, they can ensure that their villages remain beautiful, peaceful, and sustainable for future generations.
In conclusion, while road widening may seem like a positive step, it often leads to a series of negative consequences. The narrow roads in North Goa’s villages are a valuable asset that should be protected and cherished. They are a natural deterrent against the destructive forces of commercial overdevelopment and a symbol of the region’s unique identity.
