MARGAO
The MLA and locals sarpanchas came out strongly in favour of a flyover along the flood prone areas of Seraulim, Colva and Benaulim.The Benaulim MLA said he has sent an SOS to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to urgently arrange a meeting with Union Surface Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to consider the suggestion of the people to build the bypass on stilts.Addressing the media, Caitu flanked by Seraulim Sarpanch Leslie Dourado, Colva Sarpanch Snowkon Gonsavles, Orlim Sarpanch Gaudencio Luis asserted that he is firmly opposed to the construction of the proposed bypass by filling of land. “People of Seraulim, Benaulim and Colva are not opposed to the bypass per se. What they are demanding from day one is the construction of a flyover to prevent flooding of the low-lying areas of the villages of Seraulim, Colva and Benaulim,” he said.Asserting that the people of Benaulim, Colva and Seraulim will not agree on huge earthen embankments to build the bypass, Caitu said he will make a strong case for a flyover, especially on the stretch passing through the three-km long flood-prone area. “Yes, I along with the people will stop land filling if government tries to bulldoze its way with the project. Let the government first study the flood pattern before starting work,” he said.Referring to the inspection carried out by PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar along with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai at Mungul on Wednesday, Caitu said that Vijai has come out to suggest additional culverts as he fears that his bungalow will be affected by flooding. “I had moved the petition for a flyover to the government a year ago. These people are now trying to fool the people. Land was acquired by the government around 20 years ago when the Congress was ruling the state. Why these leaders, who were then Congress members, had never suggested anti-flood measures?” he asked.
