In fact, Parsekar has gone a step further by saying that Sal should not only be decontaminated but de-silted for water transport and tourism promotion between Betul and Margao.
After inspecting the river in the presence of Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado during his visit to Navelim on Thursday evening, Parsekar later told the media that he has realised the gravity of the situation at river Sal. “The river is unhygienic, heavily silted and fish cannot be consumed. Avertano has put a request for de-silting of the river and my government will take it up on priority,” Parsekar said.
But, when the media drew his attention of similar promise made by his predecessor Manohar Parrikar, Parsekar said, “Work might not have started, but the process is on. I will push the project with estimates,” while admitting that the ‘Save River Sal’ project will be a costly one.
The Chief Minister, however, said that River Sal offers ample scope for promotion of both tourism and water transport. ‘Developing the river can take off pressure on the road transport from Betul and Velim. We can also develop boating facilities,” he said, while wondering why tourism and water transport was not explored at the river.
When the media sought reaction from the Fisheries Minister whether he is happy with the Chief Minister’s assurance on river Sal, Avertano exuded confidence that the Chief Minister would honour his word. “I had brought the Chief Minister to inspect the river so that he personally sees the state of affairs of the river. I am confident that the Chief Minister will set in motion the process to restore the life line of Salcete,’ Avertano added.
