Protectors of the River Sal are on song

Residing on the banks of Salcete taluka’s lifeline – River Sal in the pristine rural hamlet of Ambelim, Cruz Silva was deeply pained by the news that the government sought to dredge his river on the pretext of desilting it. “River Sal is like our parents – both a father and mother to me because

it has raised us up providing us a source of livelihood even during the ongoing COVID pandemic when people are being retrenched from their secure jobs. River Sal is essential to the fishermen. We have been fishing in this river for decades and there is a bountiful of marine wealth such as shellfish, crabs, oysters, mussels and a variety of fish. Through traditional fishing, the next generation of the fishing community are now qualified doctors, engineers, marine captains and are working in different sectors,” said Cruz, a civil engineer by profession linked to real estate industry passionately involved in the struggles of the local fishing community.

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Cruz, who was earlier actively involved in the protests against entry of casinos into River Sal, struck upon the concept of making an emotional appeal to the powers-that-be as well as creating awareness among the public through the medium of song and music. Cruz narrates a brief history and importance of River Sal prior to the commencement of the ‘River Sal’ music video that has gone viral with over 7.8 K views and counting, since its release on Youtube on March 5. Joining Cruz in his efforts was noted musician Lenoy Gomendes, lyricist Armando Fernandes, singer Bonny Vales,

and others. Prominent musician Lenoy divulged that Cruz approached him with the concept requesting that he compose the music for this ‘River Sal’ song with a particular tune composed by Armando.

“But as I strongly believe in originality and am firmly against copying or lifting tunes. I sought the permission of Cruz and Armando to slightly change the lyrics and the tune that was based on a

Gospel tune. They willingly agreed”, he narrated.

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He explained that though this process takes three to four days, it took a few weeks since they were really busy. I requested Cruz to create a Youtube channel and upload but he requested that I do it on my own Youtube channel within 24 hours of its release on March 5, ‘River Sal’ obtained over 3,000 views with no negative criticism. Although there are no celebrity artistes singing it nor is it politically linked, only proving the fact that people appreciate the concept and song as they love Goa,”

exclaims Sirlim-Chinchinim resident Lenoy,

The lyricist Armando whose stage name is ‘Armando de Borim’ reveals that he hails from Borim village in Ponda taluka situated on the banks of River Zuari and his in-laws home is in Velim on the banks of River Sal. This fuelled his concern about the pollution of the Goan rivers and the desire to protect and preserve them. This inspired him to write ‘River Sal’ which is his debut song.

Interestingly, ‘River Sal’ is singer Bony’s debut song, too. A physical education teacher at a Diocesan Society of Education (DSE) school in Chorao with a passion for music, Agassaimbased Bony was approached by Lenoy to sing this ‘song on a social issue for people to reflect on what is happening

to the environment.’ Shockingly the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) shows the

Port limits of the Mormugao Port Trust (MPT), a central government entity which will have full control over the area. Besides, the river nationalisation is another factor that severely impacts River Sal

‘River Sal’ has received a tremendous response from Goans globally expressing their appreciation

for this song creating awareness on preserving and protecting River Sal and continuing the traditional occupation of fishing.