Benaulim locals oppose construction of health centre in low-lying area

NT NETWORK

Margao

Locals in Benaulim have opposed the setting up of a 14-bedded health centre in the village owing to the site being in a low-lying area. They raised their objections on Tuesday when officials had descended at the site for the demarcation of the area.

Speaking to media persons at the site, locals said they were not against the setting up of the health centre, only that it should be in an environmentally safe area.

“We are not against the health centre, but this area is a low lying area and there are fields behind it which may be affected if the water flow is blocked. A health centre has to come but it has to be in an area where there is no environmental concern,” said local resident Santan Pereira.

Local MLA Churchill Alemao had however said he was adamant on setting up the health centre in the location that had already been transferred from the Provedoria to the health department. Alemao had said the health centre was the need of the hour since most coastal villages had to rely on the health centre in Cansaulim or Chinchinim.