Signboards have been erected that work will start. Cursory inspections, even cleaning drives are happening, but the condition of the St Inez Creek is bad and is definitely worsening.
Acknowledging the pitiable state of the St Inez creek, the Water Resources Department is willing to take up the ‘deposit work’ provided the Corporation of City of Panjim (CCP) moves the government seeking intervention.
The department, having jurisdiction over all water bodies across the State, has its hands tied in the municipality areas. “If our assistance is required in the cleanliness project, CCP has to request the government for special help, only then we will be roped in,” WRD Chief Engineer Sanjiv Nadkarni told Herald. “We will then carry out the deposit and other required work as per directions from the government.”
The 133rd meeting of the Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) on March 4, 2014 had approved the project at a cost of Rs 1956.21 lakh under JNNURM. The utilization period of this project was kept to 24 months from the sanction date till March 3, 2016. The CCP now has just one more year left even as in the meeting held on May 13, 2014, the corporation then headed by Surendra Furtado unanimously decided to handover the project to the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) since it does not have technical expertise and other infrastructure to implement the big project.
CCP sources said the proposal was sent to the GSIDC on June 24, 2014 requesting it to expedite this project so as to complete it within the time limit. The work has kicked off but is moving slowly.
The Survey department, on directions from the North Collectorate recently carried out inspection of the entire stretch where it demarcated encroachments, collapse of embankments resulting into widening of the creek, etc. Taking cognizance of the report, the GSIDC, over a month ago, issued tenders for constructing fences.
“The work was already handed over to the GSIDC, a part of barricading the nullah will be done shortly,” a GSIDC official said.
Chairman of Goa ForGiving Armando Gonsalves, who initiated a number of awareness campaigns for the creek’s cleanliness, is upset over government’s attitude towards the issue. “They (government) are extremely lethargic. No one has coordinated with us although knowing we are deeply involved in the subject. We are ready to help them,” he said.
Nonetheless, the organization is content that the government projected Rs 68 crore for its cleanliness and beautification while also hoping that the money is spent in the right manner.
Panjim Mayor Shubham Chodankar said, “I am very positive on steps the government is taking to ensure the creek’s cleanliness.”
Meanwhile, the CCP has started its annual pre-monsoon cleaning drive. “Prior to the monsoon, we clean the mouth of the creek, work is in process,” a CCP official said.
