PANJIM: Neglected by the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Portuguese-era Boca-de-Vaca spring tunnel and surrounding areas located in the state’s capital city are in complete shambles.
A visit to the spring by O Heraldo team found that trash including plastic waste, bottles, shoes,etc, are floating in the heritage spring water which previously was a major source of water and believed to have ‘medicinal values’. The drains adjacent to the tunnel are completely choked.
The tunnel was reportedly renovated and developed by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) to attract tourists in 2018 and subsequently it was reportedly handed over to CCP for maintenance.
A transparent glass floor was constructed to enable the visitors to see the flow of the spring water below the feet and get the feeling of walking on water. However, it was seen that thick mud has splashed on the glass floor and it has become slippery due to lack of maintenance, one portion of the glass floor has got damaged as it has been tampered by the people. It was also seen that a portion of the glass floor has been removed and kept in one corner.
Devanand Mayenkar, a local resident, urged the government to restore the spring to its former glory.
“In the recent past whenever Panjim faced water crisis, people used to come here and we used to provide them water by pumping it out from the spring. This is a natural wonder and a gift of nature for the people of Panjim. We ought to preserve this spring for our future generation,” Mayenkar said.
“Initially, Boca-de-Vaca spring was maintained for two-three years after it was renovated by GTDC, currently no government department or the agency is maintaining it,” he added.
Rupali Naik a resident of Altinho, Panjim urged the government to consider outsourcing the maintenance work of the Boca-de-Vaca spring.
“Rejuvenation of springs is crucial as across Goa we are facing a severe water crisis every summer. If CCP workers can’t take care of the spring then the government should appoint a private agency for maintenance of Boca-de-Vaca spring. The authorities concerned ought to understand the importance of spring restoration,”
Speaking to O Heraldo CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate assured that the City Corporation will undertake the work to clean and rejuvenate the spring.
“We will inspect the area and get it cleaned at the earliest. We will do everything possible,” Monserrate said.
