MARGAO: Echoing the fears of the villagers, government authorities also seem to be apprehensive about potential flooding in Benaulim and surrounding areas this monsoon due to the construction of the Western Bypass on embankments in the village.
Instructions have been issued by the South Goa District Collector to keep a vigilant eye on the flood-prone lowlands in question.
Despite demands from residents, the government has not yet agreed to construct the Western Bypass on stilts, for the remaining stretch at Benaulim. Consequently, low-lying areas, including nearby ponds, have been filled with mud. This move has been met with vehement opposition from citizens and environmentalists, as the mud embankments are passing through ponds and catchment areas in Mungul and Benaulim.
A meeting was chaired by South Goa District Collector Asvin Chandru recently in Margao, where various directions were issued to ensure preparedness for the monsoon. Notably, in the section addressing action to be taken in landslide and flood-prone areas, the authority specifically highlighted the need for precautions due to the construction work of the Western Bypass. The Public Works Department has been assigned the responsibility of monitoring the area where the Bypass work is in progress and preparing a report. The government, to prevent flooding, has included additional culverts in the bypass construction plan at Benaulim.
Locals have lodged numerous complaints about the land-filling activities, with the latest concern being the presence of various waste materials on the muddy stretch. They fear that these waste materials will contaminate the groundwater in the area.
Rodney Fernandes of Benaulim criticized the government for ignoring their demands to construct the bypass on stilts and executing the work in an unplanned manner. “Why do the government authorities feel that they should take flood-related precautions when they are not ready to hear the grievances of the people?” he asked. Francisco Fernandes from Benaulim, called for a re-evaluation of the entire plan for the Western Bypass.
He questioned the contradictory stance of the government, as they claim there will be no flooding while also acknowledging the need for precautions related to the bypass construction.
