MARGAO: With the Goa government refusing to build the Western Bypass in Benaulim on stilts, citing lack of funds, concerned locals are demanding explanations for certain ‘arbitrary expenditure decisions’. They are questioning why the government insists on spending crores of rupees on a proposed flyover in Chinchinim, which is facing opposition, and a recently built bridge connecting Navelim to Benaulim, which was also opposed by the people.
As regards the Sinquetim-Benaulim bridge, which has faced opposition from both Navelim and Benaulim constituencies for over a decade, approximately Rs 8.5 crore has been spent on the project. Former minister Avertano Furtado and others who opposed the bridge questioned why these funds were not redirected elsewhere. They also pointed out that Navelim is already connected to Benaulim via the Telaulim bridge and the western bypass, and that bottlenecks would be created with this new bridge due to its width being larger than the village roads.
This controversy arises while the PWD claims a lack of funds to construct the Western Bypass portion in Benaulim on stilts, despite neighbouring sections in Seraulim and Mungul being constructed on stilts.
The Benaulim panchayat submitted a memorandum to Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari, appealing for additional funds to ensure the bypass stretch is built on stilts. The Chinchinim-Deussua panchayat also submitted a similar memorandum, urging Gadkari to consider Alternate-1 as a proposal for the by-pass road NH 66.
Locals vehemently oppose the proposed flyover at the Dandeavaddo area of Chinchinim, which is part of a Rs 300 crore package for the expansion of the Navelim-Cuncolim highway.
“On one hand, the government has the money to build flyovers. In Chinchinim they want a bypass but the government is insisting on a flyover. In Navelim, they didn’t want the bridge as there is the bypass route already but they still went ahead and built it. In Benaulim where they want a flyover instead of the road bypass, the government says they have no funds. Who are they building the bridges for? Huge money is spent on government functions and promotions but here when biodiversity, traditional livelihoods and human settlements are at stake, no care is given,” said Aylston Fernandes, an environmental activist.
