the goan I network
MARGAO
The state government is ready to foot the additional cost of construction on the 2.75 km stretch of the Western bypass between Seraulim and Varca road amounting to Rs 140 crore, but it still isn’t clear whether the proposal includes construction of the bypass on stilts.
Deputy Chief Minister Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday said he has strongly advocated for a bypass on stilts along the flood-prone areas of Seraulim and Benaulim, including Mungul, falling in his Fatorda constituency, but he too seemed unclear whether the Centre will agree for the bypass on stilts.
Sardesai, however, said that the government has taken a decision to foot the bill of the additional cost of constructing the bypass with additional drainage facilities, including box culverts, along the problematic stretch, and then claim the funds form the Centre as was done in the case of Mandovi bridge.
“The centre had rejected the proposal of construction additional box culverts on the problematic stretch which would have cost the government Rs 140 crore. The state government has now taken a decision to foot the bill of the additional drainage facilities along the 2.75 km route and then claim the money from the Centre. We had adopted a similar approach in respect of the Mandovi bridge, and it has been decided by the government to first spend the money on the project and claim the money from the Centre,” he added.
In this respect, the government will file an affidavit before the High Court which is hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the matter pertaining to the Western bypass.
When asked whether there’s any possibility of the construction of the Western bypass on stilts on the 2.7 km problematic route, Sardesai said he is in complete
favour of building the bypass on stilts.
“I have on several occasions insisted that the bypass should be built on stilts along the 2.75 km stretch from Seraulim to Benaulim, which is prone to flooding. I will again request the Chief Minister to take a decision on the issue,” he said.
Incidentally, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant was scheduled to inspect the Western bypass during his inspection of the works on the NH-17, but paucity of time prevented him from taking a close look at the bypass work. “Let me make it very clear that I am in favour of the construction of the Western bypass on stilts. I will once again press the coalition government to take up the matter with the NDA government at the Centre,” he added.
Incidentally, the National Highways, executing the Western bypass has decided to complete work on the 11 km project from Verna to Dramapur up to the wholesale fish market road at Seraulim on the northern side. Sources said the government has engaged a consultant to undertake a feasibility study on the construction of the bypass on stilts on the 2.75 km stretch which is prone to flooding.
