As areas around Margao sink, locals blame western bypass

MARGAO: Torrential rain of over 500mm recorded in Margao over the past five days has created havoc, submerging vast peripheral areas, especially from Nuvem to Navelim, as villagers and others blamed the newly-built western bypass for the increased flooding.

While incessant rains on Wednesday aggravated the crisis, the entire seven to eight-km stretch and the low-lying areas of Nuvem, Seraulim, Benaulim, and Navelim have been under water for a few days.

Seraulim and Benaulim were among the worst affected areas, as flood waters have inundated cultivated paddy fields and crept close to houses in low-lying areas.

Local residents, activists, and others who have been fighting for the bypass on stilts alleged that the four-lane bypass on embankments has heavily impacted the water flow dynamics in the area.

“The western bypass road can well be compared to a dam construction across the natural flow of storm water through the flood plains and catchments areas. And the effects of this work are experienced through the severe flooding along the entire stretch,” said Savio Coutinho, former chairperson, Margao municipal council.

The bypass has been partly built on stilts, but it has been extended through mud embankments across the Margao-Cavelossim road in Benaulim. “A field on the western side of the road was a water catchment area during the monsoon, but the bypass has reduced its area. To worsen matters, two clogged culverts on the road have blocked the water flow, and the culverts of the bypass are at a higher level,” said Varca-based activist Thomas da Costa.

The villagers of Benaulim had stopped the mudfilling due to the likely disastrous impact on life and biodiversity. “The villagers have to suffer the consequences as the bypass will block the water flow in fields like a dam,” said Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas.

The lack of adequate drainage to carry rain water from Nuvem to the sea through the River Sal has caused unprecedented flooding in the area and Seraulim. “There are a few culverts draining water from Seraulim to the River Sal, but their level is higher and one near the wholesale market is closed to expand and develop the market area,” said Kevin de Souza, an activist from Selaulim.