Team Herald
MARGAO: A joint inspection was held in Seraulim to tackle potential monsoon flooding at two key sites—beneath the Western Bypass flyover and near the SGDPA wholesale fish market junction. Officials identified around 60,000 cubic metres of soil obstructing natural drainage, left behind during bypass construction for temporary service roads.
The meeting, attended by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas, Seraulim panchayat members, PWD officials, and the MVR contractor, confirmed a 20-day operation would be launched to clear the debris once machinery is mobilised.
A village-level committee with representatives from Seraulim, Benaulim, and the contractor has been formed to oversee the work. Locals pointed out areas where water flow has been disrupted, causing stagnation and backflow into fields and residential zones. Damaged bundhs and fallen construction rubble near water channels were also flagged for immediate repair.
Viegas warned of severe flooding if work is delayed beyond the June 10 deadline, noting that a similar meeting in November yielded no progress. “This time, we will hold officials accountable. The committee will document and monitor every step,” he said.
Residents of nearby Mungul have also voiced concerns about uncleared debris in their area. Kevin D’Souza said, “It’s imperative that the haphazard filling done by PWD is reversed. Restoration must be completed before the monsoon to avoid further crop damage.”
Viegas stressed that no real estate development would be allowed on the low-lying land reclaimed for the bypass. “Our aim is to return this land to its original purpose—farming,” he added.
D’Souza echoed the sentiment: “We are not demanding anything new, only the fulfilment of original commitments made when the bypass work began.”