Repeated inci dents of alleged land fill ing, particularly involving water bodies in Salcete ta luka, have triggered strong protests from social ac tivists and local residents, who are demanding imme diate intervention from the authorities. Two recent cases report ed over the past few days — one at Navelim and an other at Tolleaband in Be naulim — have intensified concerns about the rapid disappearance of ecologi cally sensitive areas in the region. Residents in Navelim alleged that soil and de bris were being dumped in a low-lying area that traditionally functions as a natural water retention zone. Locals said the land plays a crucial role during the monsoon by absorbing excess rainwater and pre venting flooding in nearby residential areas. “We have seen how these fields fill up with rainwa ter every monsoon and help regulate flooding. If this is blocked or filled up, the water will enter our homes,” said a concerned resident of Navelim. “This is not just about one plot of land — it affects the entire village.” In Tolleaband-Benaulim, villagers have similarly ob jected to alleged attempts to fill a water body. Resi dents claim that the area is part of a natural drainage system connected to sur rounding paddy fields and canals. “Salcete’s identity is its fields and water channels. Once you destroy these water bodies, you cannot bring them back,” said Pe dro Fernandes, a local from Benaulim. “Every year we are already facing water logging issues. If this con tinues unchecked, the situ ation will worsen.” Environmental activists point out that Salcete talu ka has a delicate ecosystem consisting of paddy fields, khazan lands and inter connected water networks that are vital for ground water recharge and bio diversity.
They warn that unregulated land filling not only damages the envi ronment but also disrupts traditional agricultural practices. “Wetlands and low-ly ing fields act as natural sponges,” said Krisnha Naik. “They absorb excess rainwater and help main tain the ecological balance. Filling them for short-term gains will result in long term disaster.” Residents have also questioned whether the required permissions were obtained before initiating the filling activities. They have urged local panchayats and government authori ties to conduct site inspec tions and verify the legality of the works. “We are not against de velopment,” said another villager. “But development should not come at the cost of destroying our natural resources. The authorities must act now before it is too late.” Locals have demanded strict enforcement of envi ronmental regulations and greater vigilance to pre vent further degradation of Salcete’s water bodies. Many have warned that if corrective steps are not tak en promptly, they may be forced to stage protests to safeguard their villages.
