The ancient springs and water bodies of Margao need attention from being completely destroyed. Be it the spring in the Housing Board, Davorlim or Talsanzor, all are crying for help. The only attention given to these springs is during the Ganesh festival or other religious events and then ignored all year long. The cleaning of the Davorlim spring revealed that it has become a garbage bin for people and youngsters. The Talsanzor in Aquem is in dire condition and the spring in Housing Board is totally polluted.
The Talsanzor is a small, but ancient spring in Aquem. It may not hold much importance today but according to Councillor Tito Cardozo, it was visited by people from all over Goa. This spring had medicinal value for curing of sore eyes and skin diseases. “I still remember even that as kids, we used to go there when there was a good flow of water, but sadly it’s not the same anymore,” said Tito. Local Councillor Carmina Rodrigues says, “The Municipality doesn’t have funds and approvals for existing work. Where will it have money for this work?”
Vijai Sardessai’s Sunday dialogue also saw the issue of Talsanzor restoration and he did commit to get the work done. Since the spring lies in on the border of two wards, none of the custodians have looked after them.
One of the most ancient springs from Margao, the Davorlim spring has been ignored by the Davorlim Panchayat and locals. The spring which was once of medicinal value has now become a community garbage bin where youngsters consume alcohol and dump bottles in the water while people throw flowers and other such stuff in the water. The spring was cleaned on Sunday by the local MLA but only part of the work has been done. The locals demand that the spring be fully cleaned and maintained by the Panchyat and local administration.
Once upon a time, the spring which could cure skin diseases is now itself diseased by the garbage and filth dumped in by reckless residents and passers by. “The spring needs to be cleaned thoroughly as the channel which takes water to the fields is also choked with garbage, plastic waste, mud and also glass bottles. Youngsters come here, drink alcohol and throw tin cans and bottles in the water,” informed Anand Sawant a local of Davorlim. The filth from the spring is entering the fields downstream and destroying them.
“The dirtying and degradation of the spring must stop before we lose it. There is a Collectors order erected on a notice board at the spring. This order needs to be followed and the police too must keep a strict eye there. Cameras need to be fitted to catch hold of defaulters,” added Sawant.
People have expressed anger that more than 200 families come to immerse Ganesh Idols here but none of them stand for protection of the spring.
The spring in the Housing Board too is ancient. Presently there is lot of weed growth and dense vegetation in the open space around. However, a group of youngsters who name themselves ‘Shri Rushirambha’ have been taking care of the spring in their own little way. “In 2011 when I was the MLA of Fatorda, I got 14 lakh of funds from MPLAD scheme and got the works done. I had also cleaned the spring and got the silt removed from the lake. But yes there is lots more to be done and presently I have moved a file with MP Narendra Sawaikar for the spring beautification and that of the open space too,” said Damu Naik.
Shri Ghogaleshwar Rushirambha Sanskrutik Sanstha has gathered some money for the renovation and is getting it done slow and steady. But they are upset that after applying for funds for past 3 years, they haven’t got any.
All the local leaders and people have an understanding of the importance of these springs but not much seems to be happening for their protection.
