MARGAO
With the Water Resources Department (WRD) report warning of a high possibility of flood waters rising at a magnified level in the future if the western bypass is built on embankment filling, Benaulim villages have renewed their demand for the construction of the western bypass passing through the village on stilts.
The petitioner before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Royla Fernandes said the 10-member expert panel constituted by the NGT should conduct a re-study on flood waters submerging Benaulim village if the bypass is built on earthen embankments in the light of the latest WRD report on flooding.
Royla further demanded that the PWD, National Highway should not stand on false prestige and do a re-think on the construction of the bypass on stilts along the stretch passing through Benaulim.
“I was shocked to know that the PWD, NH is adamant in going ahead with the construction of the bypass on earthen embankments."
“The WRD report has clearly warned what was being feared all along by the villagers of Benaulim. We only hope that the report by the government department will open the eyes of all concerned, including the authorities as well as the government and build the balance portion of the bypass on stilts,” she said.
Royla added: “We now plan to knock on the doors of the Judiciary and the Tribunal again with the WRD report for relief. When the report has clearly said that there’s a high possibility of flood waters rising at a magnified level in the future if the bypass is built on embankments goes to show that it poses danger to the village.”
Another villager Rudolf Barretto hoped the latest WRD report will open the eyes of the government. “The WRD report has only confirmed the fears expressed by the villagers from day one that Benaulim will be submerged if the bypass is built sans stilts,” he added.
The WRD in its flood risk assessment report said flooding at Benaulim had taken place on July 5 when the western bypass is still not constructed on embankments.
“Seeing the site conditions and the increasing incessant changing rainfall patterns, it can be concluded that there is a high possibility of flood waters to rise at a magnified level in the future if the bypass is built on embankment filling for the remaining portion from Railway line till the Kharebandh Varca road.
The report further stated that the possibility of disaster to life, livelihood and property of the local inhabitants in the future needs to be considered in going ahead with the construction of the western bypass on embankments.
