MARGAO
Benaulim villagers along with MLA Venzy Viegas on Monday called on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant with a plea to build the western bypass passing through the village on stilts.
In a power-point presentation made to the Chief Minister, the MLA and the committee constituted by the villagers pointed out that the western bypass, if built on earthen embankments, will act as a dam, blocking the water inside the fields during the rains, causing threat to life and biodiversity.
The delegation stressed that the only solution lies in constructing pillars under the road to give water an easy way to flow through.
Sources said the Chief Minister gave the delegation led by the MLA a patient hearing and promised to call for a meeting of officials of various agencies to discuss the issue.
The MLA drew the attention of the Chief Minister that the destruction of the water bodies and wetlands of the village has already started with the commencement of the work of land filling. It was pointed out that the filling will affect a temple and human habitation as well.
Benaulim villagers has upped the ante in support of the long-standing demand to construct the Western bypass on stilts. After taking a decision to move the National Green Tribunal, the villagers have started a signature campaign in the village to collect as many as 10,000 signatures in order to submit a memorandum to PM.
