MARGAO
The meeting also adopted a resolution which stated that the PWD or the highway authority prepare an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) on the environmental damage the proposed bypass would cause since it passes through wet lands and water catchment areas of the villages of Benaulim, Colva and Seraulim, besides Mungul.
The meeting also demanded that PWD should hold a power-point presentation before undertaking any work on the bypass. Speakers also demanded that work on the bypass should not commence till a detailed study on the flooding pattern in the affected areas is being carried out by the state PWD.
The meeting assumes significance and comes against the backdrop of the visit by PWD Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai at Mungul earlier this week for an inspection. While Vijai had requested the PWD Minister to build additional culverts by doing away with the piped culverts along the stretch, today’s meeting reiterated the bypass should only be constructed on stilts.
In his address, former South Goa MP and Congress leader Francisco Sardinha said that though the Margao western bypass is being funded by the Centre, the alignment of the bypass is decided by the local state government. “The government should consider the demands for the bypass on stilts wherever necessary. We are not opposed to development, but at the same time the bypass should be built on stilts wherever necessary to prevent flooding in the flood-prone areas along the stretch,” Sardinha added.
Fatorda Block Congress President Joseph Silva said, “The entire stretch from Nuvem, Seraulim, Mungul, Colva and Benaulim is low-lying and a water catchment area. There ought to be a proper study.”
Activist Zarinha Da Cunha demanded to know how the agencies can take up such a huge project without conducting an EIA. She said the bypass is being pushed by the government ahead of the construction of the Mopa airport.
Local Congress leaders Ethel Lobo, Piedade Noronha, Camilo Barretto, Avinash Tavares, besides local residents, activist Laurel Abranches and others were present.
