Western bypass on stilts: Benaulim locals build up signature campaign momentum

MARGAO: The signature campaign launched by villagers of Benaulim to demand western bypass on stilts has crossed 5,000-mark in just 10 days of time. Now, the volunteers will go at the micro level and the target of 10,000 signatures will be completed in another one week.  

This petition, which is being signed by senior citizens, children and people from all walks of life, will be sent to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and the office of the Union Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari. Signature campaign has received an overwhelming response from the people. 

Speaking to Herald, Rudolf Barretto said that the first stage of this signature campaign has been already completed and has witnessed huge response from the people of Benaulim. 

“After taking a resolution in this regard several panch members of Village Panchayat Benaulim initiated the signature campaigning, besides several of our volunteers made a point to convince the people in demanding the western bypass on stilts, in order save our environment from the destruction,” he stated.

He further informed that they have already completed the 5,000 mark in just 10 days of time.  It is pertinent to note that this signature campaign was started on May 9 with the participation of children and people from all walks of life. They were seen convincing others and making them aware about the alleged destruction if the western bypass is not built on stilts.   

As stated by Rudolf, now this signature campaign will go at micro level and the volunteers will be visiting the people to sign the petition. 

“We have high hopes that the target of 10,000 signatures will be achieved in the next one week.  Thereafter, the petition will be submitted to the PMO, besides the office of Union Highway Minister. 

The village committee, which is headed by the sarpanch and consists of locals and panch members, has taken the responsibility of collecting the signatures. 

People of Benaulim are very disappointed that the government is not listening to their voices, and the genuine concern. And hence, now they are hoping that the PMO and Union Highway Ministry will take serious note of their apprehensions pertaining to the environment and ecology. 

Meanwhile, villagers from Seraulim and Nuvem have also extended their support to the Banalkars in fighting war against the concerned authorities for the betterment of future generations. 

On the other hand, all will be closely watching the situations in this monsoon with regard to flooding at the location, as the Public Works Department has already done with the land filling work. 

Shockingly, there is no sign of removing the mud from the low-lying areas at Mungul, which was dumped by the contractor and assured to restore the land to its original form before monsoon.