Aware of the tourism potentials of the Savlem Lake in Pilerne and its proximity to the Calangute-Candolim coast, the tourism department has decided to undertake a massive beautification drive around the lake, following an assistance of Rs 5 crore from the Central government.
The beautification project of the Savlem Lake will not only attract tourists to the site, but it will also provide the much-needed development to the lake which plays a vital role in the maintaining ecology in the area.
Spread over 1.65 lakh sq. mtrs, the Savlem Lake is surrounded in a hilly area and acts as a water catchment area. The area is also blessed with a spring, where there is a continuous flow of water. The lake also attracts several migratory birds from October to March each year.
Informing Herald that the tourism department has decided to beautify the Savlem Lake, Tourism Minister Dilip Parulekar said: “Since this lake is located close to the famous Calangute beach, the tourism potential of this area is very high.”
“About 20,000 of the 1.65 lakh sq mtrs will be developed and activities like bird watching can also be promoted around the lake by planting fruit-bearing trees and providing other facilities,” said Parulekar.
“Activities like construction of soil and water conservation structures can also result in increased tourism in the area. To improve the overall tourism potential of the area, we first need to protect the Savlem Lake. In this regard, the activities that we propose include protecting the lake from encroachment by constructing a compound wall with the required fencing, soil conservation by providing a gabion wall, water conservation activities like construction of sluice gates and check dams,” informed Parulekar.
“As far as tourism activities are concerned, we intend to develop the landscape around the lake, provide children’s play area, offer seating arrangements and bird feeders,” said the tourism minister.
Parulekar added that the tourism department has commenced the land acquisition process for the Savlem Lake beautification project.
“The Central government has agreed to provide funds to the tune of Rs 5 crore for the project. The tourism department has already appointed a consultant for the project and he has prepared the project report.”
“Once the land acquisition process is completed, the tourism department will forward the project to the Centre. When completed, this project will enhance the
importance of the village and it will also become a tourist spot in Bardez taluka,” said Parulekar.
