PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar along with Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai on Thursday, November 25, inspected the work on the Western Bypass behind the wholesale fish market to allay fears of locals.
Pauskar assured the locals the flooding will not take place and said that his department will ensure flooding does not take place and will also appoint flying squad to monitor the work.
The project will take about a year to complete.
"We will make sure that this work does not hurt the people in this area. We will demand the construction of a bypass on stilts in the flood-hit area, hoping the court would accept it," he said.
Vijai Sardesai said, "We demand the 980m Western Bypass should elevate on stilts in the view of land filling and cross drainages to prevent flooding in monsoons also have to be constructed. The government has agreed to our demand and we expect the court to accept this demand as well".
Earlier this month, Sardesai had stopped landfill in the low-lying areas for the Western Bypass project, along with residents of Mungul, Maddel and neighbouring Fatorda.
"We are not against the Western Bypass. It should happen, but it shouldn't bother the people living here. I urge the government to appoint a Flying Squad in this area, so that this area can be monitored continuously,” said Sardesai.
He further added, "I welcome suggestions from the National Green Arbitration, Water Resources and PWD Public Works Department panel for constructing an elevated bypass of about 980 meters. "