the goan I network
MARGAO
With Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva in tow, the Chief Minister had a close look at the sinking embankment on Thursday morning during his visit to the village to distribute free LED bulbs to the people.
“The situation at the River Sal embankment indeed poses a danger to the road and the houses. It is indeed a matter of concern. I will immediately find out whether the work falls under the ambit of the Disaster Management Authority or the Water Resources Department,” the Chief Minister said.
“The desilting of the River Sal is not yet complete. The silt has been removed, but it appears there’s a need to build a retaining wall to prevent further collapse of the embankment,” he said.
Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva lamented that the Disaster Management Authority has till date not acted on the aspect of restoration and protection of the embankment. “I had taken up the issue of restoration and repair of the damaged embankment with the Disaster Management Authority as well as the Water Resources Department, but in vain. The Disaster Management Authority is not functioning,” he said, while raising apprehensions that the nearby houses may collapse if action is not taken immediately to stop further damage.
The Benaulim legislator further said the flooding of low-lying areas and the overflowing River Sal should open the eyes of the PWD authorities that they should not to proceed with the western bypass with land filing. “The recent floods along the Benaulim-Khareband-Mungul stretch is an eye-opener to the PWD authorities that highlights the need to build the bypass on stilts,”
Caitu added.
