Team Herald
VASCO: Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha has said that she intends to work with the newly elected body of Quelossim panchayat to bring back the lost glory of the Kesarval Spring which was once known for its medicinal property.
Saldanha made the statement on Thursday after holding a joint site inspection of the Kesarval Spring along with the panchayat.
She it was a long pending request from the people of the area to restore the lost glory of Kesarval Spring. The government, she said, would do everything to make this spring a famous tourist destination.
“As we noticed today, this is a fabulous tourist destination. However, as the mouth to the spring is blocked due to sand erosion and landslides, we have decided to clear it on priority. Secondly, to prevent landslides, I have proposed the construction of a retaining wall in the area as some spots in the area are showing signs of weakness. Thirdly, we have several steps leading to the spring and railings have to be installed on both sides of the steps. Similarly, the garbage menace has to be curbed,” Saldanha said.
She said that it was important to test the spring water to ascertain whether it is polluted by industries located above.
“I will request the Goa State Pollution Control Board officials to test the waters and then take preventive action (if needed). Also, we have decided to stop washing of clothes here to prevent pollution.”
Saldanha said that she would request the tourism department to provide changing rooms and a rest room besides deployment of security personnel at the site so that visitors could feel secure.
She claimed that though the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) had a structure in place atop the spring hill, the same was not put to use and hence she would also request the GTDC to convert the structure into a restaurant facility so that the tourists could start visiting Kesarval spring.
