WHAT THE JULY WRD REPORT SAYS
*The report has warned that there is a high possibility of flood waters rising at a magnified level in the future if the western bypass is constructed on embankment filling for the remaining portion from the Mungul Railway line till the Kharebandh-Varca road on the Benaulim stretch
*The report stated that the possibility of disaster to life, livelihood and property of the local inhabitants in the future needs to be considered while constructing the western bypass on embankments in the said reach
*The report has recommended to the government conduct a model study with an expert hydrologist to avoid the worst circumstances in future that may occur on account of development along the bank of river Sal
*The reports pointed out that due to the heavy rain showers, the existing road network was inundated at many places causing a stoppage of traffic movement. It mentioned that complex hydraulics were observed during the high tide amid heavy rains
*Finally, the report pointed out that the situation prevailing at Benaulim during the monsoon was in the absence of the western bypass and it may become complex and may result in more worst conditions after the completion of the bypass
MARGAO
Come Thursday morning and Water Resources Department (WRD) Minister Subhash Shirodkar with officials will descend on Benaulim to inspect the famous Komla Tollem as part of his ongoing exercise to ascertain the status of the water bodies across Goa.
Around a kilometre or two away from Komla Tollem, Benaulim villagers and farmers who are waging a battle demanding the construction of the western bypass on stilts may have a simple question for the Minister – whether Shirodkar will inspect the Tolleaband water body as well and take up cudgels for the beleaguered farmers given that his very own department had come categorically clear in support of the bypass on stilts.
These and other questions assume significance for a host of reasons. One, the PWD, National Highways is bracing up to resume filling of land to build earthen embankments through the water body for the construction of the bypass.
Secondly, and more importantly, the report compiled by the WRD in support of the bypass on stilts has not been taken to the logical conclusion by the government to date.
Shirodkar’s very own department had in July last, for the second time in two years, strongly recommended construction of the western bypass passing through Benaulim on stilts, throwing up a question – whether the Minister will make a case with the Pramod Sawant-led BJP government and give effect to the WRD report on Benaulim flooding and the demand for stilts.
It’s now over two months since the WRD compiled the report on Benaulim flooding around mid-July, strongly rooting for the construction of the bypass on stilts.
When The Goan contacted senior WRD officials to shed light on the status and fate of the report submitted to the department higher-ups, they said it has not made much headway to date.
That the WRD report has not found favour with the PWD, National Highways is evident by the fact that a senior PWD officer was blunt in saying that reports, if any, in support of the bypass on stilts should be filed directly before the High Court since the court is monitoring the execution of the bypass project.
A senior WRD officer informed that no action has been initiated by the WRD or any other department on the recommendations to build the bypass on stilts.
Fate of appointment of hydrologist
Will the Water Resources Department Minister Subhash Shirodkar explain the status of the recommendation made by the WRD to the government to conduct a model study with a hydrologist to study the flooding pattern in Benaulim?
In fact, based on the report compiled by WRD Assistant Engineer Sainath M Jamakhandi, WRD Executive Engineer Ankush Gaunkar recommended the government conduct a model study with a hydrologist to avoid the worst circumstances in future that may occur on account of development along the bank of river Sal.
In his recommendation, WRD Executive Engineer Ankush Gaunkar pointed out that due to the heavy rain showers, the existing road network was inundated in many places causing a stoppage of traffic movement. He even made a mention that very complex hydraulics was observed during the high tide amid heavy rains and hence, recommended the appointment of an expert to conduct the hydrology study.
Team of Benaulim villagers will
consult hydrologist: Sarpanch
After the first meeting of the Benaulim panchayat gave the go-ahead signal to the local body to engage a hydrologist to conduct a study on the flooding of the flood plains of Benaulim, sarpanch Xavier Pereira said he along with villagers will consult the hydrologist on how to go about the job.
The sarpanch told The Goan on Wednesday that a team of villagers will consult the hydrologist about whether a report on the flood situation will help the panchayat in court if the locals decide to knock on the doors of the Supreme Court.
“We will first find out from the hydrologist whether the report to be compiled by him will help the villagers to move the Supreme Court since the panchayat will foot the bill of the hydrologist carrying out the study,” he said.
