MARGAO: As the monsoon season has recently begun, residents living near River Sal in Salcete are calling for a thorough inspection of the desilting work carried out at various locations along the river, such as the villages of Assolna and Nuvem, amongst others. The locals have expressed worry about the effectiveness and potential environmental impact of the recent desilting operations.
The desilting project, undertaken by the Water Resources Department (WRD), was aimed at improving water flow and reducing flood risks during the heavy rains typical of the monsoon season. However, residents have raised several concerns regarding the execution and aftermath of the work.
One of the primary issues highlighted by the local community is the manner in which certain riverbanks were excavated during the desilting process. Residents fear that digging in some areas could have unforeseen consequences when water levels rise during the monsoon.
Another concern is the fate of the mud and silt removed from the river. Locals are questioning the disposal methods and storage locations for the extracted material. There are apprehensions about whether the stored mud could pose environmental risks or find its way back into the river during heavy rains, negating the effects of the desilting efforts. The residents are now urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive check of the desilting work before the onset of heavy rain in July and August.
