MARGAO
The controversial western bypass has come in for opposition from the villagers of Navelim and Telaulim, but for a different reason.
With the PWD in a hurry to complete the project along the Navelim-Telaulim stretch taking advantage of the High Court order, the village Panchayats of of Navelim and Telaulim have decided to knock the doors of the High Court early next week. A resident of Navelim Antonio Alvares has already filed an application before the High Court regarding the bypass, which is scheduled to come up for hearing before the Court on October 20.
Villagers of Navelim and Telaulim pointed out that they have been left with no option than to knock the doors of the High Court as the PWD has refused to increase the height of the underpass to 5.5 meters. The two Panchayats as well as residents, including Antonio Alvares has feared that the PWD will excavate the existing main road to raise the height of the underpass to 5.5 meters.
Navelim Sarpanch Bevinda Gonsalves pointed out that the Navelim villagers are also up in arms against the construction of the bypass passing through the Salpem lake sans stilts. She also called for urgent action by the PWD to resolve the traffic snarls where the bypass meetd the National highway. “The demand of the villagers is very clear, increasing the height of the underpass to 5.5 meters. The villagers are not opposing the bypass per se but are only demanding increase in the height of the underpass and to build the bypass on stilts passing through the Salpem lake”, she said.
She added: “Every time, the Panchayat has asked the PWD to increase the height of the underpass, they have taken a plea that they have to complete the work since the matter is sub judice Hence, we are approaching the court on the matter”
Antonio Alvares pointed out that norms mandates the PWD to construct an underpass with a height of six meters. He, however, said the PWD has told the court that they will make the underpass 5.5 meters and going ahead with a slab. “The PWD has plans to lower the road despite objections submitted by the gram sabhas of Navelim and Telaulim villages. The PWD have told the Court about shifting pipes cables and building retaining wall to prevent water logging but has not mentioned to the court of the sewage chambers on either side, Alvares said.
He added: “The PWD cannot dug up the road in order to maintain the 5.5-meter height of the underpass since there are two connecting roads, along the main road”.
