Team Herald
PANJIM: Minister for Water Resources, Filipe Nery Rodrigues virtually launched two development projects of the Department of Water Resources – rejuvenation and desilting River Sal from fish market Margao to Varca bridge for a stretch of 8.26 kms, at an estimated cost Rs 16.81 crore and development of Colva creek at estimated cost of Rs 9.13 crore on the occasion of Goa Statehood Day today.
The function was attended by Leader of Opposition, Digambar Kamat, MLAs Luizinho Faleiro; Vijai Sardesai and Wilfred D’sa.
Speaking on the occasion Rodrigues said Sal river was neglected since decades which has now been categorised by NGT as polluted with constant persuasion. He also thanked the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, for sanctioning and providing funds even during the financial stress faced by the government due to pandemic.
Putting the draft of State Water Policy 2022 to address the water needs of the State, he said that the same will be placed before the legislative members for their suggestions before finalising.
Rodrigues informed that it is his sincere endeavour and commitment to protect all the rivers and water bodies, keep them as pristine as possible. The Mhadei is very close to the heart of every Goan, and matter is sub-judice, every effort is being taken to protect the interest of the State, he concluded.
Speaking on the occasion, Kamat, opined that it was need of the hour and said that this is an excellent initiative of the government to take up desilting of the river Sal and Colva creek, benefitting the people of Margao and tourism industry at large.
Luizinho, appreciated the minister for initiating both the projects and said that it was his dream to get the Sal river cleaned.
Vijai and Wilfred expressed their views on the occasion.
