SAMIR UMARYE
BICHOLIM: The sleepy village of Sal in Bicholim along the Goa border comes to life, especially on Sundays, with people from several places converging at the bandhara to get solace from the scorching summer.
The bandhara at Sal has now become famous spot for people to have a bath and enjoy. But what has angered the locals is the hooliganism and nuisance by the visitors.
“The place has become very popular since the last two years and on Sundays there is lot of rush near the bandhara. Most families visit the spot early morning and spend the entire day,” a local told Herald.
The place became popular after inauguration of the light motor vehicle bridge over the bandhara that connects Sal to Ibrampur-Pernem. But the popularity of the spot is a cause for concern for the villagers as they feel insecure in their small village.
“People come here and dirty the area, dump waste including food and empty bottles,” complained Deelip Desai, a local. There have been several cases of drowning in this bandhara. The issue was raised several times at the gram sabha but nothing happened, he added.
“On several occasions we wrote letters to the CM and the higher authorities to stop the picnickers from coming here. But they have failed to act against them. Half part of the bandhara comes under the jurisdiction of Ibrampur panchayat and we feel that even they should act in this regard,” Sal Sarpanch Ghanasham Raut informed.
“The bandhara is the pride of the people of Sal as it satisfies their drinking water needs. The authorities have inspected the area several times but have failed to act against the hooligans,” Deputy Sarpanch Ramesh Parab said.
