Natural springs are drying up

DHIRAJ HARMALKAR

dhiraj@herald-goa.com

VASCO:  There is a feeling of anger and resentment among locals over the fast changing face of Goa and its environment such as the number of natural springs and wells that are dying a slow death.  Some of these are based in Mormugao, while it’s a similar situation in the case of Kesarval spring, Pirni and Huder spring among others, which need immediate attention

Locals and environmentalists stress that locals, if not the government should take a stand and protect and preserve these natural sources of water before it’s too late. 

They compared the situation of the springs of the previous season as compared to this season and say all talk of biodiversity, nature and its importance to mankind are just empty words if nothing is done on time to save the environment. 

Senior citizens rue the current condition of the natural springs in Mormugao and blame the ‘concrete’ development. 

“Two decades ago this spring was used by locals who would come for a cool bath in the summer. Much more that, in the 60’s and 70’s, these springs were known for its medicinal value,” said senior citizen Sada Tulaskar.

Another senior citizen added that there were natural wells which were used as source of water. 

A quick check at the springs in South Goa showed a site lacking water and natural comfort but instead garbage, alcohol bottles and other plastic waste was found everywhere.  

Locals in the area complained that no authority is keeping a check and how these springs need to be restored to its original condition at the earliest. 

Roland Martins, co-ordinator of GOACAN, concurred and said it is a wake-up call for the public to protect and preserve the natural waterbodies. “There is need to identify and make a list of natural springs, wells, nullahs and then with the collaboration of ­­ various government agencies such as Goa State Pollution Control Board, Goa State Biodiversity committee and other people from this field; who together should  work towards the restoration of these natural water bodies,” said Roland. 

Roland further suggested that members from village level biodiversity committees need to be given more training and efforts also need to be made to create awareness about this ‘serious’ issue with the general public. 

“Nowadays every household has a tap connection, therefore they have forgotten about the importance of these wells and springs, but it’s high time that people should come together to preserve what we have" Martins added.

“If we need to protect the nature usage of plastic bags need to be banned,” said Rui Araujo, Chairman of Chicalim Biodiversity Management Committee (BMC). It may be recalled that several panchayats gram sabhas including that of Chicalim had recently passed resolutions to ban the use of plastic bags. 

 “To protect and preserve springs and wells from the village areas we need to plant more trees. Nowadays, due to rampant deforestation, we are facing various problems, which have also had a detrimental effect on our natural springs.  WRD and other authorities should actively take up initiatives for the restoration and preservation of these natural sources of water,” added Rui.