MARGAO
Exactly three years after children of Benaulim launched a movement in support of the western bypass on stilts, petitioner in the NGT Royla Fernandes has made a fervent plea to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, PWD Minister Nilesh Cabral and the High Court to remember the efforts of the children and affirm to them that this government is here to protect their rights, preserve their environment and safeguard their faith in their government.
Royla further said the outburst by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas at the inspection of the sewage treatment plant (STP) at Sirvodem, and newspaper reports of FIRs and complaints lodged against Cabral and officials seem similar to pre-poll dramas.
“Problem at the STP does exist and needs solutions, but they cannot be found when agitated and angry. Since the High Court has set a one-year deadline to complete the western bypass, the priority for Benaulim is a bypass on stilts as we too want to see the project complete. At the same time, constituencies of Nuvem, Margao, Fatorda, Navelim and Velim can all work together and make a sustainable rejuvenation plan for river Sal,” she told the media.
Royla told the media they are positive that the children’s movement started on November 14, 2019, three years ago will see the bypass on stilts.
“After working along with the State and Environment Minister since 2019 and subsequent appeals in NGT and the High Court, we saw a lot of positive changes in our bypass case."
She pointed out that the inspection of the bypass site on December 18, 2019, initiated by Cabral through the Goa State Biodiversity Board helped the people to procure reports from TCP, Agriculture and WRD.
“Continuous follow-up with the GSBB and Ministry of Environment led to a meeting on Oct 9, 2020, chaired by the minister along with other officials. We saw few changes in the highway design vis-Ã -vis pipe culverts into box culverts, besides three underpasses at Seraulim, near Malkarnekars and Correia Afonso hospital opposite Zudio in Benaulim,” she said.
Royla said the claim made by the Benaulim MLA that the PWD Minister told at the meeting with the Benaulim bypass committee not to call the MLA at the inspection is false.
“I was present along with the committee and there was no such statement made by Cabral. When the panchayat and the bypass committee members requested to be present for the inspection, the minister very clearly told everyone that he will do his inspection with 'his department officials' as the case is monitored by High Court,” she said.
Royla added: “Elected representatives, who are role models to their electorate, should refrain from misleading the media and public. The Benaulim MLA should have named the person who has given him such information if at all his statement is true.”
