MARGAO: The issue pertaining to western bypass road especially with regard to a stretch from Seraulim to Varca has invited agitation from the people by the State government when the Assembly elections are nearing.
On one hand, the 10-member committee appointed upon the directions of National Green Tribunal proposing for partial bypass on stilts and on the other, the Public Works Department continues filing the land with mud, despite objections from the locals and social activists. Even the councillors of Margao Municipal Council have objected to the works carried out by the PWD.
As informed by Royla Fernandes, petitioner in the matter, the 10-member committee appointed upon the directions of NGT to study the matter has recommended for partial bypass on stilts.
“This is just a proposal from the panel and yet to finalise. We are demanding the full stretch of western bypass from Seraulim to Varca on stilts in order to protect the environment and paddy fields. However, the panel, after having deliberation on the issue proposed for partial bypass due to the cost towards the project,” she informed.
According to her, it is half victory for the people of Seraulim, Mungul and Benaulim.
“Our battle is to save the villagers of Seraulim and Benaulim and will fight till they get the victory,” said Royla. However, on the other hand she had taken strong objections to the ongoing land filing work carried out by the PWD, despite objections and issues being pending before the High Court.
On the other hand, locals have also strongly objected to the land filling at Seraulim, near the wholesale fish market.
“We don’t understand why the PWD is in a hurry to carry out the land filling for western bypass on war-footing. We are already facing the impact due to land filling for the sake of western bypass,” said locals.
However, the PWD officials have stated that the department has carried out the works upon the recommendations of a 10-member committee to build the bypass on stilts along Seraulim to Mungul Railway Bridge.
“We are only working to prepare the ground for the work that will be undertaken,” said the PWD official.
At the moment it seems that this issue of western bypass will surely affect the concerned political leaders, as the locals and social activists are preparing to start the agitation over the issue in the coming days.
