MARGAO
Residents of Pedda-Benaulim on Saturday resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation against the construction of the western bypass sans stilts, with the people planning to call on the South Goa MP Francisco Sardinha to pursue the issue with the Centre.
The residents have also opposed tooth and nail the laying of the underground pipeline, connecting the Colva Sewerage treatment plant to the River Sal via Pedda.
At a meeting of the residents at Pedda on Saturday evening which was attended by Benaulim Zilla Panchayat member Hanzel Fernandes, Royla Fernandes, Roque Fernandes and others, it has been decided to call on the South Goa MP to take up the western bypass issue with the Centre.
In fact, Roque told the residents that Sardinha has given an appointment to the people on the issue. The residents vowed to fight tooth and nail to ensure that the western bypass passing through the village is built on stilts.
As far as the issue of the discharge of the Colva STP plant is concerned, the villagers said they are opposed to the proposal to discharge the treated waste into the river Sal. They pointed out that river Sal will be devastated if for any reason untreated sewage is discharged in the river.
Benaulim ZP member Hanzel Fernandes pointed out that newly-elected Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas has supported the demand of the people of Pedda not to discharge the Colva sewage waters into the river Sal by proposing a 15MLD water storage tank near the Colva STP.
“The MLA has taken up cudgels for the people of Pedda with the Sewerage Corporation officials by proposing construction of a 15MLD storage tank to store the treated water instead of discharging the same into the river Sal,” Hanzel told the people.
