MARGAO: PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar on Tuesday held a meeting with the people of Benaulim along with their MLA Churchill Alemao to discuss the issue of Western Bypass in Benaulim and Seraulim villages while Navelim MLA Luizinho Faleiro joined the discussions later on.
The villagers were happy that for the first time the minister has agreed to have underpasses in Benaulim and Seraulim with a height of 5.15 metres. However, they were disappointed that the minister did not agree to have a flyover.
Former Benaulim sarpanch Royla Fernandes pointed out that a plain road will result not only in flooding but also taking away the means of livelihood of the people as they will not be able to cultivate their fields and hence insisted that a flyover should be constructed.
The minister pointed out that the cost of the project will increase by around Rs 400 crore if a flyover is constructed and argued that the government does not have that much funds to invest.
However, the villagers argued that the entire environment of the area will be damaged and what is presently agricultural land will turn into a marshland if flooding is allowed.
Churchill stood by the villagers and said a flyover has to be constructed.
The minister assured the villagers he will discuss the matter with the chief minister and then call them for a joint meeting.
