CANACONA: The area around the Chaudi market in Canacona had several natural ponds many years ago but there are just seven or eight left as of today.
These ponds right from the Konkan Railway station to the Municipality building and KTC Bus stand to Pansule-wada are dying a slow death due negligence.
The most important village pond is right in front of the KTC bus stand and is called ‘Vhadle Tale’ (big lake). Another one near the Canacona Railway Station but has been invaded by the Salvinia moss crowding out important native plants. The thick floating mats reduce oxygen content and degrade water quality for fish and other aquatic organisms.
There are other ponds at Nagarse, Bhagatwada and the municipality’s vegetable market of which the one at Nagarse has been restored.
The increase in the concrete structures in the vicinity has also caused people to turn a blind eye towards maintenance of these once great sources of water for farming activities. Around 10 hectares of land was brought the plough here and these ponds were perennially supplying water to the farmers. Sadly, today there are just two to three farmers involved in agricultural activity here. Some of these ponds are filled up by the municipality itself. The one near the KTC bus stand has potential to be promoted as a resting or tourist spot if beautified.
“These ponds have water throughout the year and have become breeding grounds for mosquitoes today. Instead of beautifying the town with natural sources such as these, the trend seems to be saturating the area with concrete jungle,” former councilor Molu Naik said.
“The Water Resources Department should restore at least the existing ponds,” opined Chaudi’s former councilor Stanley Gracias.
