While other States are quick to capitalise on their natural assets, Goa has been obsessed with its famed beaches and has often ignored some of its lesser known but potentially captivating spots.
One such natural wonder that is threatening to go down under is the Salmona Spring in Saligao village. Once well known even in the neighbouring villages of Pilerne, Reis Magos, Parra, Guirim and Sangolda, the Salmona spring would attract people for bathing purposes amid the strong belief that the spring water has medicinal properties.
This spring is presently in a very bad state, with no proper access, no changing rooms and no toilets. The overgrown bushes around the spring have given it a shabby look.
Locals have accused the Calangute panchayat of dumping garbage on the Saligao plateau.
The source of the spring is hardly around 700 metres from the garbage site and the water from the spring has gone polluted.
When there was no tap facility in the village, residents would use the spring water for domestic and potable purposes,” recalled Arun Sawant of Sarmane-Saligao.
“But since the water has now polluted, the spring water is no longer safe for drinking purposes and it is now being used by locals to wash their vehicles. Scientists from the NIO have also tested water samples from this spring and have confirmed that it is polluted,” said Sawant.
The Saligao panchayat has admitted that it has little funds to maintain the spring.
“Since the panchayat does not have funds, it can’t take up the maintenance of the spring. The panchayat has, therefore, requested the Tourism department to undertake the beautification and maintenance work of the spring,” said Saligao Panch Deepak Rane.
When contacted, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar informed that the Tourism department has decided to beautify and restore the Salmona spring at a cost of Rs 1 crore.
“The Tourism department will construct four changing rooms and two toilets, while an area will be earmarked for parking of vehicles. Pavements will be constructed across the Cross and walkways for the approach road leading towards the spring,” said Parulekar.
“This beatification and restoration of Salmona spring is part of the Rs 8 crore Saligao Development Project,” he added
