Goemkarponn desk
MARGAO: Farmers of Benaulim on Wednesday marched to the Benaulim Panchayat to question the local body about its progress in support of the construction of the Western bypass on stilts.
The farmers said that they had marched to the Panchayat to understand the reason behind the court’s delay in filing the petition in view of the resumption of mud filling being carried out at the Tolleaband water body.
Farmers further informed that they discussed this matter with the Sarpanch Xavier Pereira. The discussion also included a word about the recent decision taken by the Panchayat and Western bypass committee, informed the farmers.
Furthermore, it was informed that a joint meeting of the local body, Western bypass committee and the farmers has been called on February 10, Friday, to take a final call on the matter of Wester bypass.
Speaking to Goemkarponn, Former Sarpanch of Benaulim Royala Fernandes said, “Villagers had given the mandate to the Panchayat to file petition way back in April 2022. And gram Sabha has repeatedly been demanding Biodiversity Committee take up the protection of the Wetland. Legal measures delayed is Wetlands destroyed. All the elected representatives, not just Sarpanch, have failed to prioritise the needs of the villagers and the people of South”.
“Asking for suggestions even after gram sabha decision shows a lack of will to implement it”, she added.
Sarpanch, while speaking on this matter, informed that a decision about how to go about the matter will be taken in the joint meeting to be held on Friday.
He said, “The Panchayat has planned to invite a resource person to guide and advise the committee, farmers and the Panchayat on how to go about the matter. “The Panchayat has been in touch with the lawyer on this matter. The joint meeting scheduled on February 10 will hear the suggestions on the said matter”, he said.
