MARGAO: Benaulim locals have petitioned the State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to stop the reclamation work at Seraulim until the National Green Tribunal (NGT) decides on the matter. This was done following the personal hearing at the South Goa District Collectorate.

In a letter to the SEIAA member secretary and others like the Goa State Pollution Control Board, Goa Wetland Authority, Forest Department, Goa State Biodiversity Board and PWD, the residents asked them to work towards sustainable development.

Activist Royla Fernandes also asked the SEIAA to furnish a copy of the action plan that had been prepared by the 10-member committee, which was constituted as per NGT’s orders. She pointed out that NGT had directed the joint committee to submit the action plan as well.

She also referred to the site inspection conducted by the committee and asked that a copy of that report be furnished too along with their findings and notes.

The residents also submitted photographs taken on Friday itself, as proof of the reclamation work going on at Seraulim fish market road and soil testing at Benaulim.

The residents have already approached other government departments and had expressed their fear about the impact due to the reclamation work.