MARGAO
Benaulim villagers on Monday launched an unprecedented exercise unheard in the recent history of the village, as the young and the old put their signatures and names on a petition demanding the controversial western bypass on stilts.
While the signature campaign started on a positive note near the Maria hall, the exercise will be taken to all the 11 wards in the next two days by the ward members and villagers. After completion of the exercise, wherein the villagers have fixed a target of collecting around 10,000 signatures, the petition will be forwarded to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a plea to build the western bypass passing through Benaulim on stilts.
Benaulim Sarpanch Vencila Fernandes, panch members, petitioner in the National Green Tribunal Royla Fernandes, Roque Fernandes and others all descended near Maria hall on Monday evening to request the villagers to put their signatures on the petition.
The exercise evoked positive response as both young and the old came forward to support the movement. While the adults signed the petition, the children only mentioned their names as the petition seeks to make a fervent plea to the Prime Minister to save Benaulim and the children of the village.
Royla told the media that the exercise is aimed to protecting the village as there’s no other option other than stilts to save the village from destruction. “Even the Supreme Court has given a favourable ruling in the track doubling case in order to protect the environment. We are hopeful the Prime Minister will see the sincere efforts of the village, including the children and put the bypass on stilts. We are hopeful the bypass initiative will be successful and accomplish sustainable development,” she said.
Royla added: “People have given the exercise their blessing, asking us to go ahead and continue the good work.”
