MARGAO
In a setback to yet another attempt to get the western bypass on stilts passing through the Tolleaband water catchment area in Benaulim, the expert deputed by the Union Ministry of Surface Transport, New Delhi to study the ground reality has in his report not recommended the proposal for the construction of the bypass on stilts.
The expert R K Pandey, however, has suggested measures for increasing the discharge capacity of Sal river, including de-silting and dredging. The expert has also underscored the need to provide additional discharge area from Varca road to Sal river by way of increasing the culvert size or its numbers.
While stating that the proposal for construction of the bypass on stilts along the Tolleaband water body is not recommended, Pandey, however, suggested that construction of reinforced earthen wall in flood area be avoided and the stability of the slope in areas of high embankment with 1:1 slope be reviewed.
The Goan understands that based on the report and the recommendations made R K Pandey, the Public Works Department, National Highway is believed to have written to the Water Resources Department (WRD) to act on the suggestion on the desilting of the river Sal. The PWD, NH is also believed to have written to the PWD, roads to take up construction of additional drainage on the Margao-Varca road for smooth flow of water from the Tolleaband water catchment area into the Sal river.
Given the situation, the PWD, NH is also bracing up to resume work on the bypass through the Tolleaband water catchment area through land filling to pave way for an earthen embankment.
Pandey was deputed to Goa by Union Minister for Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari to study the demand for bypass on stilts along the Tolleaband stretch of the western bypass after Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai called on him with a plea.
In fact, during his inspection of the Khareband-Benaulim stretch of the Sal river, Pandey had observed that even if the bypass passing through Tolleaband water body is built on stilts, the water body will still remain inundated during monsoons for want of quick drainage of rain water through the Sal river.
After the inspection, Pandey had concluded that the problems need to be resolved via a comprehensive solution, with measures such as desilting of the river and construction and widening of culverts on the Margao-Varca road, connecting Tolleaband to Sal river.
Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai, however, saw red in the Centre’s decision, suspecting that politics seemed to have come in the way of construction of the western bypass on stilts. “I have reason to suspect that politics has played a role in saying no to the bypass on stilts along the Tolleaband stretch. For, I had received positive signals when I had called on Gadkari. Though the expert has suggested a couple of measures to mitigate flooding at the Tolleaband catchment area, we will continue to pursue the just and genuine demand of the villagers of Benaulim for construction of the bypass on stilts”, Sardesai told The Goan on Sunday.
