MARGAO
With no signs of the 10-member National Green Tribunal (NGT) inspecting the flood plains of River Sal which lies submerged as a result of incessant rains, the petitioner, Royla Fernandes, and villagers along with Congress leader Alka Lamba descended on the Tolleaband Lake, Benaulim to demand construction of the 2.75 km balance stretch of the Western Bypass on stilts.
Royla further claimed that the de-silting of River Sal has not helped ensure free flow of water, pointing out that the four-day of incessant rains have shown that water from the catchment areas did not recede as anticipated post de-silting of river.
“Water level has not come down after the de-silting. Our MLA Churchill Alemao has said that water gets into the river after de-silting. On the contrary, water from the river comes into the watch catchment areas. I can say that the money spent on de-silting Sal has gone into the river”, Royla said.
Saying that Benaulim villagers demanding bypass on stilts are taking up the issue at various forums, including the courts, Royla, who is part of the Congress party, said Congress spokesperson Alka Lamba has been brought to the Tolleabandh lake, Benaulim to get a first-hand experience of the inundation of the flood plains of River Sal. “The western bypass is being executed by the National Highways and we expect Lamba to highlight the issue in Delhi and get the bypass on stilts approved”, Royla said.
She lamented that though the NGT had constituted the 10-member team to study the aspects of flooding of the river Sal flood plains, no meeting of the panel has taken place and no inspection of the flood plains has been held till date.
Lamba has promised to raise the issue in Delhi to ensure that people of Benaulim and neighbouring villages get a relief by way of bypass on stilts. “Royla has no self interest in this movement to save the village from destruction. She is doing this to ensure the safety of the people. I will raise the issue in Delhi at various forums”, Alka added.
