The Cansaulim creek has been notorious for its stench and it has even hampered football matches at the adjacent T B Cunha Sports Complex.
Now, a Rs 35.19 lakh project assured by Environment Minister and local MLA Alina Saldanha could soon change the reputation of the Cansaulim creek, bringing a much-needed relief to locals and visitors alike. And with the T B Cunha Sports Complex expected to host Goa Football Association (GFA) matches for various divisions, sports officials and fans are eagerly awaiting a quick and a major face-lift to the Cansaulim Creek.
The Cansaulim Creek, which passes through Cansaulim junction and connects the waterways from Arrosim to Velsao-Pale, had been widely criticized for its stench in the surrounding areas, especially for football spectators and players at the T B Cunha Sports Complex.
According to sources, the spectators, players and even referees would complain about the unbearable stink from the creek, which passes right next to the ground.
“Even after complains, authorities failed to act even though the creek was barely a few metres from the Panchayat Ghar,” remarked a source.
Since the creek would pass through the heart of Cansaulim, locals and vendors from the market were accused of dumping their waste, causing stagnation in the creek.
But besides the stagnation and foul odour, the water would also overflow from the creek during monsoon.
Locals recalled that a few years ago, water from the creek made its way into the T B Cunha Sports Complex, flooding the entire ground and even the gym.
“The creek was hardly cleaned by the authorities and sometimes, locals would hire their own labourers to clean the creek in a desperate bid to curb the foul odour,” said the source.
When contacted, Environment Minister and local MLA Alina Saldanha stated that the Cansaulim creek was desilted last year.
“The PWD has begun the process to clean the creeks this year and it has already started cleaning creeks in the neighbouring localities. The construction of a free-flow conduit is in process and it was tendered on June 19. Now, the file has been sent to the government to sanction the work,” said Saldanha.
“A project estimated at Rs 35.19 lakh will soon start after the monsoons. As part of this project, the conduit will be covered to prevent people from dumping garbage in the creek, besides allowing the free flow of water. The project is being undertaken by the Water Resources Department,” added Saldanha.
Welcoming the move to clean the Cansaulim creek, locals have insisted that merely restoring the creek after the monsoons is not enough.
“Though the creek will be restored after the monsoons, authorities have to take measures to clean and maintain the creek, to ensure free flow of water to Velsao-Pale and to avoid any flooding in the area,” said a local, James Fernandes.
A number of football fans are also looking forward to the early completion of the project, initiated by the MLA, especially since the T B Cunha Sports Complex is expected to host GFA matches for various divisions.
As part of the project, the conduit will be covered to prevent people from dumping garbage in the creek, besides allowing the free flow of water. The project is being undertaken by the WRD
— Alina Saldanha
