MARGAO: The Cana-Benaulim village panchayat has urged Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari to address their longstanding demand for the construction of the Western Bypass passing through Benaulim on stilts, instead of embankments.
The panchayat previously approached the High Court, submitting a detailed report with photos to support their request. On Friday, Benaulim Sarpanch Xavier Pereira, along with panch members and villagers, held a press conference to discuss the matter. They expressed gratitude to Goa Forward Party (GFP) President Vijai Sardesai for raising the issue with Minister Gadkari and submitting the comprehensive report. “We are hopeful that Nitin Gadkari, our Central Minister, will personally review the documents and make an appropriate decision,” said Pereira.
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Highlighting the longstanding issue of the bypass, Fernandes stated that with no progress on their legitimate demand, they approached Sardesai for support.
“We appeal to our Chief Minister to set aside any egos and follow up with the relevant officials in the Central Ministry, urging them to expedite the construction of the portion of the Western Bypass on stilts in Benaulim. This is crucial to prevent further environmental destruction and flooding in Benaulim and neighboring villages,” Pereira emphasized.
Pereira criticized past MLAs representing Benaulim, accusing them of paying lip service to their legitimate demand. He mentioned that they initially supported the cause but later succumbed to vested interests.
“Our current MLA also took us to meet the CM and the Governor, promising to conduct a ‘Hydrology Study’ using his own resources. He also pledged to arrange a meeting with Gadkari in Delhi, provided individuals interested in accompanying him covered their own travel expenses. Some agreed, but the promised day never arrived, nor did the hydrology study,” Pereira revealed.
The Benaulim panchayat later commissioned an agency to conduct the hydrology study
Pereira further expressed disappointment with the MLA’s failure to address the people’s concerns with the Central Government, despite having good relations with the BJP. He suggested that the MLA could have sought assistance from Delhi Chief Minister and AAP founder, Arvind Kejriwal, to facilitate a meeting with Gadkari. It was an opposition MLA from another constituency who raised the issue in the Assembly and at the Central government level, to find a lasting solution. Pereira extended gratitude to neighbouring villages and their residents for standing in solidarity with them.
He specifically thanked the villagers of
Seraulim for persistently raising the issue in their gram sabhas, even after their own demand was met. Pereira acknowledged panch Kevin D’Souza from Seraulim for providing unwavering support and crucial documents.
“I also express my
sincere thanks to my fellow villagers and the farmers
of Rebodd and the surrounding areas for their trust
in the present panchayat and their patience during this delay,” Pereira concluded.
