MARGAO
Motorists using the Khareband bridge en route to the Salcete coastal belt on Tuesday were greeted by an unexpected sight ” a water fountain in the River Sal, a waterway long plagued by sewage contamination and the spread of water hyacinth.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said the installation of the fountain was aimed at creating positive public sentiment around the river as part of broader efforts to restore it to its former glory.
“Though it may be a small fountain, the intention behind the exercise is to create positive vibes among people and stakeholders and encourage collective efforts to save River Sal from destruction,” he said after inaugurating the fountain.
The stretch of the river near the Khareband bridge was also illuminated with ornamental lighting, giving the area a facelift despite its longstanding problems of open defecation, sewage discharge and garbage dumping.
However, key concerns remain unresolved, including stopping sewage inflow into the river, implementing a comprehensive drainage plan, strengthening bunds and undertaking large-scale de-weeding operations.
Viegas said de-weeding work would begin shortly, with the government set to float a tender for clearing a four-kilometre stretch of the river. He also stressed the need for all seven MLAs from Salcete to jointly pressure the government to allocate dedicated funds for the rejuvenation of River Sal.
“We have to build pressure on the government to take concrete steps towards the restoration of River Sal. Our slogans ‘Amghe Sal’ and ‘I Love River Sal’ are part of a campaign to instil a sense of care and responsibility among the people towards the river,” he said.
The MLA also invited Self-Help Groups from the Benaulim constituency to set up food stalls along the riverbank near the Khareband bridge until the onset of the monsoon.
“With food stalls and music, we can create a positive atmosphere. We can make the banks of River Sal near the bridge a lively and happening place,” he added.
In the midst of sewage flow and water hyacinth weed, a water fountain became operational in the River Sal near the Khareband bridge on Tuesday evening.
