CANACONA: The Godeavoll Spring, a lifeline for the people living around Goddeavoll village, near Balli, is now under threat of pollution caused by vehicles travelling inter state. Residents are now concerned about the growing problem and have requested the minister of the water resources department Vinod Palyekar to take steps to preserve the springs which provide all the drinking water for the hamlet.
There are two springs on both the lanes of the NH at Goddeavoll, a hamlet comprising tribal people. The residents have channeled the water through a pvc pipe which is the sole source of all their water. However over a period of time travellers on long and short distance vehicles passing by this spring use the spring to quench their thirst and fill plastic bottles for the onward journey. Now many have begun to litter the place with plastic, glass, styrofoam and household waste. Drivers and cleaners are found bathing by the springs and a smell of human waste permeates the area. Out station tourists are cooking food taking advantage of the fresh water and leaving behind organic and non organic garbage at the site. Fish water slurry is being discharged at the place by fish carrying trucks. There are also garbage storage cages with all types of waste scattered in the vicinity like electronic waste which includes computer monitors, shoes, mattresses, pillows, clothes, electrical fixtures, plastic waste etc.
Suraj Velip a resident said “To preserve this springs neither the panchayat nor the other departments have put any effort and since we come from an economically backward community, it’s difficult to tell those people who spoil the spring water and its surrounding. We request the WRD minister Vinod Palyekar to ask his department to take steps to preserve these springs for our use”.
