MARGAO: In a significant development, upon the request of the villagers of Benaulim, the contractor engaged by the Sewerage and Infrastructure Development Corporation of Goa Limited (SIDCGL) returned back without starting the work of laying pipeline for treated sewage water in Benaulim on Saturday.
The Benaulim villagers along with MLA Venzy Viegas gathered at the site, when they heard about the commencement of the work.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
It is pertinent to note that SIDCGL was supposed to commence the digging of roads for the treated sewage pipeline from Colva to Kharebhand from April 16, for which closure of the roads for traffic movement was banned from Saturday.
The villagers have expressed strong objections for laying of a pipeline which is supposed to release the treated sewage water from Sewage Treatment Plant, Colva to River Sal. People have resolved to save the river from further contamination.
A contractor engaged by the SIDCGL was noticed at the site along with the machinery required to dig the roads. Sooner, villagers reached the site and objected to the works. Thereafter, villagers and MLA requested the contractor to delay the works due to the festive celebration, and the contractor agreed. Contractor returned back with the machinery.
As informed by the Colva Police, they too rushed at the site in order to avoid the law and order problems.
Meanwhile, as decided the Village Panchayat of Benaulim is still in the process of filing the petition before the High Court seeking stay. On the other hand a group of villagers are working out the next course of action to fight the legal battle.
Speaking to Herald, Nilesh Prabhudesai, deputy sarpanch of Village Panchayat Benaulim said that they have submitted the necessary documents, including the resolution copy to their lawyer to proceed with the next course of action.
Meanwhile, villagers of Benaulim on Saturday in-warded an application to the panchayat office with nearly 1,200 names and signatures demanding special gram sabha to discuss on western bypass issue.
