Minister Avertano Furtado has criticised the objections raised by the people on the dredging work of the River Sal and has called on the objecting people to join in on the work and to give suggestions for the work. The Minister organised a trip for the press and media up and down the river to showcase the progress of the work and has expressed happiness over the improvement. Furtado has also informed that the Central Minister, Nitin Gadkari has also promised to provide additional Rs 200 crore for the second phase of the work.
“Instead of stopping the work and having protests, people need to give more encouragement and are welcome to provide suggestions for the cleaning of the River Sal,” said Furtado replying to the protests held at Margao on Wednesday.
“The work of trimming of mangroves and dredging has been going on in full flow. The sludge which has been removed is smelly. However, this smell will be temporary and people will get relief soon,” explained Furtado.
After clearing of the mangroves and dredging the outlet of sewage which are the major pollutants, the work of plugging of the sources will soon begin.
“The sewage disposal problem will be solved very soon as the sewage at Margao is already being pumped into a well and further pumped into the plant, treated and let into the river. One point is plugged and the other two at Kharebandh and at the old market will be plugged soon. Work on this has started already,” the Minister said.
“The second phase may start from Verna to Kharebandh and later will be from Varca to Cavelossim and the budgetary provision for the second and third phase of the work has also been made. In fact, Gadkari has promised Rs 200 crore for pitching of bunds and also for the beautification of the river. This has happened as the Chief Minister has taken a keen interest in the improvement of the river,” Furtado explained.
The de-silting and dredging of the River Sal began in January. The original size of the River which was over 12 meters average has reduced to 5 and 6 meters in areas with lots of sewage and smell. After the trimming of mangroves and the removal of sludge, the width and depth of the river has increased to a good level and after strong tides surge in, the flow will be regularised. The first phase of dredging of 6 km will follow with the plugging of the sewage points and then the work will shift to the second phase.
The Minister has also informed that they visited the Kerala backwaters to study the ways to perform these tasks and has expressed a keen desire to turn the River Sal into a backwater tourism destination of South Goa.
