MARGAO
These questions have come to the fore as the monsoon season is nearing an end and the contractor is bracing up to execute the work with speed to complete the Rs 200 crore project at the earliest.
Inquiries by The Goan have revealed that there’s still no decision yet on the demand made by Benaulim and Seraulim villagers to construct the Western bypass on stilts.
When The Goan contacted the local PWD officials at Fatorda to shed light on the project against the backdrop of demands to construct the bypass on stilts at the vulnerable stretch of the bypass, an official pointed out that the local office has forwarded a detailed study report on the flooding pattern along the Benaulim-Seraulim stretch when the flooding was at
its peak during the current monsoon.
“Our office has forwarded a detailed report to the office of Chief Engineer on the flood situation along the wetlands of Benaulim and Seraulim, besides Mungul. We have pointed out in our report whether the accumulation of water in the wetlands was within permissible limits,” the official remarked.
The study report has been accompanied by photographs of the flood situation and a CD which was produced by the PWD as part of their study of the situation.
When The Goan contacted PWD Chie Engineer, Parsekar, to shed light on the issue, he said that while the department has received the report from the local PWD office, no decision yet has been taken on whether to opt for stilts or continue with filling of land at the vulnerable stretch. “My office has told the project consultant to study the report received from the local PWD office and suggest necessary solutions. Based on the consultant’s report, the PWD will officially move the government to take a call on whether to build the bypass on stilts or on earthen embankments,” Parsekar added.
Replying to a question, a senior PWD official informed that even if the state government takes a call in favour of a flyover at the most vulnerable and flood-prone stretch of the bypass, the proposal will have to be vetted by the Union Surface Transport Ministry, which is executing the multi-crore project from Dramapur to Verna.
When The Goan contacted Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva to throw light on the status of the Western bypass, he made it clear that people of Benaulim and Seraulim will not allow the bypass on earthen embankments.
He, however, exuded confidence that the BJP-led government in Goa and at the centre will take note of the sentiments of the people as well as the ground reality and sanction funds to take up the bypass on stilts in the flood-prone areas.
