MARGAO
The controversial western bypass echoed in the House on Wednesday when Opposition members raised the issue and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant promising to build the bypass on stilts up to a length of 1.22 km “ a 42 meter additional stretch than the 980 meter recommended by the National Green Tribunal-appointed 10-member expert panel.
For the people of Benaulim, however, the ground reality, does not change for the better after the Chief Minister’s announcement in the House on Wednesday. For, the NGT-constituted 10-member panel had recommended 980 meters of bypass on stilts, particularly along the Seraulim-Mungul stretch. The additional 42 meters of stilts, sources say is at the road underpasses which would come up at at least four places on the stretch.
In simple terms, the Chief Minister’s assurance to build the bypass on stilts means that out of the 2.75 km balance stretch, the government will go by the recommendation of the NGT-appointed expert panel and build the bypass on stilts along the 980 meter stretch. The balance stretch, especially passing through the low lying fields of Benaulim, including the Tolleabandh lake, will be built with earthen embankments via land filling.
Benaulim resident and petitioner in the NGT, Royla Fernandes said though the government announcement does not have anything for the Benaulim stretch, she, however, there’s a ray of hope that the entire 2.75 km bypass may come on stilts.
“I am happy that the government has for the first time accepted the recommendation made by the NGT-appointed expert panel, recommending construction of the bypass on stilts up to a stretch of 980 meters. Though the government has not paid heed to the request of the people of Benaulim for the bypass on stilts, we will continue to push our demand with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant”, she said.
In fact, Royla pointed out that she would seek an appointment with the Chief Minister to impress upon the need to build the bypass on stilt on the stretch passing through the Tolleabandh water body.
At the same time, Royla disclosed plans to pursue her matter with the National Green Tribunal to ensure that the entire 2.75 km stretch of the bypass on stilts.
