MARGAO: Amidst concerns about the condition of River Sal, the Water Resources Department (WRD) has said that measures are being undertaken in phases to rejuvenate and maintain clean water in the river.
“The department has carried out desk studies on the river, worked on hydrology, hydraulics, soil erosion, groundwater and improvement to earthen banks to improve the ground/surface water, flood control and bank erosion. Holistic approach is worked out to be implemented in phases,” said WRD Minister Subhash Shirodkar.
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WRD officials added that the rejuvenation of the Sal River for a length of 19.77 Km is being carried out by restoring the river bed, desilting/removal of deposited silt/garbage of river and its tributaries to enhance the carrying capacity of the river.
They further added that the contract has a three years maintenance period wherein the contracted agency has to maintain the river in a clog and silt free condition by removing all the flown silt debris etc.
The second phase, regarding improving water quality, revolves around the construction of storage structures (bhandaras) and aeration system near the fish market with automated gate to hold the water within the river.
