little known sweet water lake at Uguem located around 200 meters towards the back side of Uguem Chapel is in bad shape and is need of immediate attention. Locals have called on the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to rejuvenate the lake. Moreover immediate steps are also warranted in the reconstruction of the laterite structure which surround the lake and which is presently in a dilapidated state.
The lake which runs throughout the year was reportedly built during the Portuguese regime and formed a major source of agricultural water supply to the paddy fields located downstream.
Moreover, during the earlier times, in the absence of water supplied via taps, the water from the lake was also used for drinking purpose. This was the norm especially for the locals residing in the vicinity of Uguem Chapel. The water was also used for other domestic chores such as that of washing clothes.
Over a period of time, the existence of the lake has been totally forgotten and there is an urgent need to undertake the maintenance work of the lake for its preservation and to tap the water from the lake for agricultural operations.
A villager Milton Dias informed that due to negligence attitude of the authorities the surroundings of the lake are left in dilapidated condition. The footpath leading to the lake is surrounded by bushes all around and this makes it difficult to proceed to the lake, which the villagers once thronged even to have bath during hot summer months.
Dias also informed that the laterite structure surrounding the lake has become weak and that there is an urgent need to reinforce the same with cement plaster.
Moreover it is also noted that a portion of the laterite structure surrounding the lake has given way. This has raised concerns over the possibility that the remaining laterite structure ,which has kept the lake alive, may collapse if no concrete steps are taken at the earliest.
Panchayat member Marcus Pereira informed that the lake is a very good source of agricultural water supply to the paddy fields and assured of taking up the matter for the restoration of the lake at the panchayat meeting so that a proposal could be send for its renovation to the authorities concerned.
Pereira also informed that during the earlier times, may be around fifteen to twenty years back, the water from the lake was widely used for domestic purposes and the villagers were also visiting the lake to bathing. However given its lack of maintenance, the lake is now forgotten by the people. However its rejuvenation is bound to bring the days of glory back, added Pereira.
