Team Herald
SALIGAO: Over 300 youth and locals from Saligao participated in the heritage walk from the panchayat ghar to Aquem-Mollembhat.
During locals witnessed several hutments at the site, which was once famous for its spring, hill and well.
A member of Save Saligao group, Ramesh Ghadi took the initiative to organise the heritage walk as an eye opener and show the people of Saligao the pathetic state of the spring they once enjoyed, which now stands polluted. The nearby well where the locals used to learn swimming has been polluted and huts have been illegally built on the hills where cattle used to graze.
“Civilisation in Saligao first began next to Aquem and Salmona spring. Our hills, springs, wells and fields are nearly finished by these migrants, who have been allowed to build their structures illegally. Sadly, these people have encroached upon the storm water drains and are even releasing sewage in it. Over 200 illegal huts have been constructed and the activity still continues. The offenders are protected by the politicians as they are their vote bank,” claimed Ghadi.
“Most of these criminals stay at Mollembhat and hide in these huts. Most of them have two voting cards and roam in gangs with knifes,” added Ghadi. Founder member of Revolutionary Goans, Manoj Parab spoke on the migrant menace and how they are damaging the identity and culture of Goa. “They have now crossed their limit and even attacked a local and robbed his money in Saligao. These people, who come to Goa, do not only come here for business, but to rob Goans of everything. It’s nice to see that people have united in Saligao and it is important to be responsible Goans. Once you manage to save your village then other surrounding villages will get up. This revolution in Saligao is a warning sign to the government and let the fire burn,” said Manoj.
“Goans have to go and work abroad because no jobs are available here. Sadly, none of the MLAs act against these migrants. We have to get our markets and business back in the hands of Goans. We are fighting for our existence in our own land. If anyone feels offended if we call them ghantis then they should go back to their land. These ghantis are brought by the MLAs and this is a fight against them,” he added.
Two locals, Diego Fernandes and John Rego shared their memories of the spring and ambeachi baim in the village.
