MARGAO
In a partial relief for villagers of Benaulim, Mungul and Seraulim waging a sustained battle in support of the construction of western bypass on stilts, the 10-member expert panel constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recommended construction of 980 meters of elevated road on the balance 2.75 km stretch of the Seraulim-Mungul western bypass.
While appreciating the recommendation made by NGT, the petitioner Royla Fernandes has hoped that justice will be done vis-Ã -vis the balance 1.77 km stretch passing through the wetlands of Benaulim by constructing the bypass on an elevated road.
With the high-level panel recommending construction of 980 meters of the bypass on stilts between Seraulim, near the wholesale fish market to the Mungul rail over bridge, the matter before the NGT will now be heard before the Panjim bench of the Bombay High Court, which was also seized of the mater.
A senior PWD official informed that of the total 2.75 km balance portion of the western bypass, the 10-member panel of experts had recommended construction of the bypass on elevated road for a 980 meter stretch between Seraulim and Mungul. “This is the recommendation made by the panel and the report is submitted before the NGT. Since the Panjim bench of the Bombay High court was also hearing the same matter, the case will be heard before the High Court”, remarked the PWD official.
Petitioner Royla Fernandes, however, said the battle is not over yet. She appreciated the recommendations made by the 10-member panel to build an elevated road at the stretch admeasuring 980 meters, but made it clear that she on behalf of the affected villagers will make a fervent plea to the High Court to save Benaulim village as well from an ecological disaster.
“Our battle to save the villages of Seraulim and Benaulim will continue. And we are hopeful that the High Court will listen to our prayers and mete out justice”, she said.
Royla added: “One third of the struggle has borne fruits. For balance 2/3rd of the struggle, more efforts with dedication and determination is needed. Children’s movement made way for change”.
The NGT had constituted the 10-member to go into the ecological and environmental issues raised by the petitioner, with the Tribunal even saying the flood plains of river Sal needs to be protected. In fact, the NGT, while issuing directions to set up the panel has said there can be no doubt that water bodies, wetlands, mangroves and other natural resources need to be protected. While construction of a road may be a necessity, such construction should not result in destruction of bio-diversity and other environmental resources, including water bodies and wetlands, the Tribunal had observed.
The 10-member Joint Committee comprised of SEIAA, Goa, Goa State Biodiversity Board, Goa State Wetland Authority, PWD, Goa, Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), District Magistrate, South Goa, Water Resources Department, State PCB, a nominee of National Wetland Authority and a nominee of PCCF (HoFF), Goa.
The State PCB and SEIAA, Goa will be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.
