MARGAO: Illegal land filling and encroachments on the banks of River Sal have once again come to the fore following recurring floods in Benaulim village around the Khareband bridge-Pedda area this season.
An agitated Benaulim MLA Caitu Silva on Saturday said Environment Minister, Alina Saldanha, who had inspected the Colva changing room and toilet project following complaints from NGOs, should inspect and see for herself the illegal retaining walls and land filing along the banks of River Sal in Benaulim village.
In fact, he disclosed plans to dash off letters to Alina Saldanha, besides the District Collector Venancio Furtado on Monday, to carry out inspection of the banks of River Sal on the Benaulim side and clear the illegal filling of land and encroachments.
“This is the third time this monsoon that flooding has been witnessed in the Benaulim-Pedda region. This may be the direct result of the retaining wall built along the river banks and the land filling that has taken place in recent years,” he said, adding that the authorities should not spare anyone including the scrap yard which have come up along the area.
“The Environment Minister had inspected the Colva beach area when work on changing rooms and toilets was underway. The flooding now threatens the life and safety of Benaulim people. Time has come to identify the causes behind the flooding and initiate action, including clearance of encroachments and land filling,” Caitu demanded.
Saturday saw the Benaulim-Pedda area totally submerged under water, prompting the authorities to close down the road.
