MARGAO
The High Court has given all clear to the government to build the western bypass on stilts on a stretch spanning 980 meters, but has expressed its concern about the works being completed expeditiously.
While allowing the application moved by the State to revise/modify the scope of the work in relation to the 2.75 km stretch by including an elevated construction (stilts) for the portion of 980 meters as per the recommendation of the 10-member committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal, the High Court, however, made it abundantly clear that the State Government should also require the contractor to complete the work within the schedule prescribed, if necessary, by employing additional workforce and machinery so that the project is not delayed again.
In fact, the High Court has asserted that in the event the existing contractor expresses the usual difficulties in completing the work, the Government should seriously consider whether the contractor should be replaced so that the project is not once again delayed.
“We see no difficulty in allowing the Application. However, we are quite concerned about the works being completed expeditiously. As it is, this project has been unduly delayed. In terms of the work order issued to the contractors, the work on this balance stretch of 2.75 km is to be completed by October 2022. The State should now ensure that this timeline is adhered to and observed by its contractor as far as possible”, the High Court asserted.
“Having regard to the orders made by the NGT and the recommendations of the High Power Committee constituted by the NGT, we think that this Application of the State deserves to be granted. The Committee, among others, comprises several officers/technocrats concerned with the environment. The Committee has considered the various proposals/alternatives and opined that the modified approach with a 0.98 km elevated structure would serve the cause of the environment better. Furthermore, the Committee has recorded that such modification will avoid filling the water body and even part diversion of the river, the High Court further observed.
While granting the application, the High Court said the Advocate General has submitted that even the State authorities feel that the revision/modification as recommended by the Committee will be in the public interest and the environment interest.
The Advocate General had said submitted to the Court that even an in principle approval has been accorded subject to directions from this Court. He pointed out that the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, during his visit to the State in January 2022, had announced that the Ministry would bear the entire cost of the western bypass. Accordingly, a formal proposal has been moved for funds.
The ten-member Committee constituted by the NGT met on 05.10.2021 and discussed the various alternatives. Ultimately, the Committee recommended one of the alternatives involving a modified approach with a 0.98 km elevated structure which will lead to an increase in the cost of the project from the present estimated cost of Rs 148.41 crores to Rs 218.94 crores approximately but this will avoid filling of the water body and part diversion of the river.
