Team Herald

PANJIM: People of Kalapur and St Cruz have united to save the lone natural water resource – Bondvol Lake – which was once the village’s lifeline. 

On World Water Day, residents of Kalapur and St Cruz held a meeting attended by over 500 residents who resolved to petition the Governor. “We will make a representation to Governor of Goa very soon, which will be followed with all the concerned authorities of the State to save our water resource,” St Cruz resident Arthuro D’Souza said. 

Herald has been continuously following the demand of the people of St Cruz in the past. The meeting on Wednesday resolved and formed a committee of 50 like-minded people who will fight the authorities to save the lake. 

All the people who had gathered for the meeting pledged to save Bondvol lake following a presentation which brought to light how the lake was 20 years ago and how it is today and the destruction that has taken place in the vicinity. 

Dr Nandkumar Kamat, was also present for the meeting and will head the committee formed on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering Kamat said people should stop believing politicians and the panchayat, and that the movement to save lake should a people’s movement. 

He said the lake would not only provide water for farming and consuming but will also help in conserving biodiversity. 

The lake area falls in comunidade property whereas the lake has been grabbed by an individual. However, the Kalapur Comunidade is fighting a legal battle over the custody of lake. 

Recently a private builder carried out illegal hill cutting at the edge of the lake which is affecting the lake area. Following the complaints from locals, Deputy Collector of Tiswadi had issued a stop work order to the builder.