CANACONA: While the government spends crores and crores of rupees on Swachh Bharat Mission, the irresponsible behaviour of some of the commuters who stop beside the Godea Voll natural springs on NH66 near Balli to quench their thirst has left the life-giving spring in a deplorable condition.
Locals point out that garbage is recklessly dumped in this ancient spring.
The springs are perennial; and apart from the locals who use the water for their daily household and irrigation needs, animals also quench their thirst during the day and night time.
‘Goenkar’, a Canacona-based NGO, criticised the irresponsible behaviour of tourist commuters and also blamed the authorities who have failed to put a stop to such activities, which have left the once serene springs at Godea Vol in such a polluted state.
It is an eyesore to witness the area surrounding these springs littered with all types of household waste, beer cans, food wrappers. The sludge released by fish carrying trucks released into the spring has effectively destroyed this life-giving spring. Parvesh a local said, “The fish carrying truck drivers take advantage of the place being away from human settlement and quietly release fish water sludge”,
The place itself is sacred to many. There is a temple very close to the spring too
Locals say that the least the NH66 authorities can do is install boards to desist commuters from dumping their garbage.
The Cuncolim police station needs to explain why this open vandalism of the spring hasn’t been reported or action taken.
Months ago, earthmoving machinery was deployed to dredge the portion adjacent to one of the springs and with no provision for the water to flow out. As a result, all water has got stagnated and turned green due to algal bloom (see box).
This stagnant water and the puddles of rotting fish water sludge has become a perfect breeding ground for various types of mosquitoes which in turn could spread vector-borne diseases.
Govind Desai a local businessman, said “Just how we keep our houses and immediate surroundings clean, it is everyone’s duty to keep the planet clean and safe for future generations”, Desai emphasized.
Jack Fernandes and Vikas Bhagat of Goenkar NGO lamented, “We have been educating people and have also spent a lot of our time, energy and money to clear the area around these springs recently. But it is back to square one. Where is the pro-active administration?”
No audits done of natural springs
Enquiries with the Water Resources Department (WRD) revealed that there is no audit done till today of the natural springs in the State. The department only undertakes works for beautification or rejuvenation after they receive a proposal from that particular panchayat for that effect.
Krishnakant Patil Executive Engineer of WRD in whose jurisdiction these Godea Voll springs are located further informed “I will visit the site soon and with the help of the local panchayat will undertake the required works”
With each passing day, much revered spring is not only sinking, but also sinking
