Mapusa: Tension escalated in Pernem as residents launched a sit-in protest along the major district road (MDR) connecting Korgao to Bhatwadi, citing years of official neglect. Despite reports that minor repair work has recently commenced, agitators, led by local figures including Naresh Korgaonkar, Nitin Nurse, and Hanumant Shetgaonkar, have dismissed the efforts as insufficient.The villagers highlighted the hazardous state of the stretch, describing it as “dangerous” for commuters and long overdue for a complete overhaul. The primary demand of the group is the immediate implementation of hot-mix asphalting, rather than temporary patchwork.The protest has drawn a sharp reaction from local MLA Praveen Arlekar, who questioned the appropriateness of the agitation while repair machinery was already on-site. However, the residents remain steadfast, issuing a ten-day ultimatum to the govt. They have warned of an intensified, “stronger” agitation if the road is not fully restored to safety standards within the stipulated timeframe.
