The proposed Nayabandh Lake project is not only present MLA Rajan Naik’s baby, but also a dream of Cuncolkars who believe it will change the face of Cuncolim when completed.
Rajan had promised in his 2012 elections manifesto that if he got elected he would make the Nayabandh Lake a tourist attraction. The lake is situated at Demani close to Balli and on National Highway 17. Five years have been passed since Rajan made this promise but the project has remained only a promise with nothing concrete taking place. However, Rajan is optimistic about his dream project.
Nayabandh is one of the small rivulets in Cuncolim which flows from Balli and finally ventures into River Sal. There is a small bandhara on this river which is one among the 12 bandharas which traditionally have been used for irrigation purpose. It is a beautiful scenic place which attracts tourists passing through NH17. From December to May, water is stored in this lake for irrigation purpose. MLA Rajan’s dream was to convert the lake into a tourist spot like the Mayem Lake in the north.
Rajan never realized he would face environmental and legal hurdles. Will the Environment authorities give a green signal to the project, is the biggest question. Some NGOs and social activists have already knocked the doors of Pollution Control Board which has ordered not to allow any concrete structure on this lake. According to NGOs and social activists the use of concrete will affect the biological and natural setup of the lake and also the river. The second hurdle will be land acquisition issue. To construct this project there is a need to acquire 12,000 sq mts of agriculture land which will be difficult given the recent amendments to the land acquisition rule.
Rajan is not in a mood to give up on this project. He says, “I am optimistic this project will turn into reality. It is not only my dream but the dream of all Cuncolkars. This project will give a new look to Cuncolim which is a historical place. There are many spots which can be developed as tourist attractions. If we create infrastructure and provide facilities like boat rides, water sports and other recreational activities it will surely attract more tourists to Cuncolim. At the same time Balli and Fatorpa will also be developed since it’s a temple village. I am confident that the proposed Nayabandh Lake project will see the light of the day in the next five years.”
In fact the government has already initiated work under the Water Resource Department (WRD) with the State spending over Rs 30 lakh to construct a bandhara on this lake. Under MPLAD scheme they have proposed to do the beautification of the Nayabandh Lake by spending another Rs 50 lakh. The project has already got sanction from MP Narendra Savoikar. After the Goa Assembly elections results this project will reportedly move forward after WRD permission. Once the beautification is completed they will start with land acquisition process.
The proposed project, which is close to the proposed NIT and on the prime spot on NH17, can benefit Cuncolim. Will it be a reality? Will Rajan Naik’s dream come true? Will green friends give a green signal for the project? If there is falloff of BJP, will the next government take up this project? Are some questions which are likely to decide the fate of this project?
