Bicholim: Human encroachments, increasing pollution and discharging of sewage and untreated chemical solutions has suffocated the rivers in Bicholim. At the backdrop of Mhadei’s ongoing battle, it has become even more crucial to take steps to safeguard the future of these rivers.
Valvanti river which is locally known as ‘Thorli Nhay’ (elder river) or ‘Vhaalvat’, originates at Ambekhol and has a healthy depth in Sanquelim region. Commercial ships used to dock at Sanquelim and although a freshwater river, it sometimes turns saline due to tidal waves. The river was also home to some of the best fish once but usage of explosives and construction on the shoreline has disrupted the river’s natural existence.
“Bicholim river has been affected the most and discharging sewage water, untreated chemicals and disposing plastic waste into the river has unfortunately become the norm. The river will completely turn into a sewage carrying channel if awareness regarding it is not spread,” said a senior local Tanaji Pal.
“Forming a River Task Force to improve the condition of these rivers, appointing experts to come up with the report, banning usage of gelatine explosives and bleaching powder in the river, giving preference to traditional fishing, smoothening natural flow, penalising the ones who dump garbage in the basin are some of the measures which needs to be taken at the earliest,” he added.
“The human race and wildlife, owe their existence to the rivers which is why awareness regarding rivers needs to be taken up in all the constituencies. I will initiate the same in Bicholim constituency,” said MLA Dr Chabdrakant Shetye.
Chairperson Kundan Falari said that the municipal council will take action against those polluting the rivers.
